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I live in a home that has an oil-fired, forced hot-air heating system. While the original builders did a good job on the heat distribution system and ductwork, the cold-air returns, especially the main trunks (there are 2 burners, one for the downstairs, one for up) were poorly installed. Coupled with some remodeling we have done that required the relocation of some returns, I need to redo the returns.
Browsing through hardware stores, I am surprised that most of what is shown is still the sheet metal ductwork that has existed for decades. With all the advances in building technologies, why is this one still lagging behind?
I’ve read all the stories about how duct tape doesn’t really work well on ducts. Yet I’m not seeing the alternatives on the shelves. For awhile I remember reading about a new type of ductwork that was made of insulated panels that could be cut but these seem to have disappeared also.
Why isn’t PVC piping used? The price differential doesn’t seem to be that bad and it certainly would be air tight.
So, in summary, as I redo the air returns, any suggestions on materials to use that won’t leak as much as the poorly fitted ducts I have today?
Thanks,
Mark
Replies
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I live in a home that has an oil-fired, forced hot-air heating system. While the original builders did a good job on the heat distribution system and ductwork, the cold-air returns, especially the main trunks (there are 2 burners, one for the downstairs, one for up) were poorly installed. Coupled with some remodeling we have done that required the relocation of some returns, I need to redo the returns.
Browsing through hardware stores, I am surprised that most of what is shown is still the sheet metal ductwork that has existed for decades. With all the advances in building technologies, why is this one still lagging behind?
I've read all the stories about how duct tape doesn't really work well on ducts. Yet I'm not seeing the alternatives on the shelves. For awhile I remember reading about a new type of ductwork that was made of insulated panels that could be cut but these seem to have disappeared also.
Why isn't PVC piping used? The price differential doesn't seem to be that bad and it certainly would be air tight.
So, in summary, as I redo the air returns, any suggestions on materials to use that won't leak as much as the poorly fitted ducts I have today?
Thanks,
Mark