The Difference With Ducting
There are so many different types of ducting, all with their own uses. From aluminium to acoustic, each one has its benefits but which one’s best for you?
What Does Ducting Do?
The main purpose of ducting is to move air from one area to another as efficiently as possible. This is achieved by attaching a fan to one end of the ducting, allowing the air to be forced through the ducting. However, moving large amounts of air comes with problems. When air is pushed through the ducting, airborne noise is generated as well as resistance. This can lead to inefficient extraction systems that create disturbances for their external environment.
When selecting the correct ducting you it’s important to take in to account what your goals are. For example, if you’re setting up an indoor garden in a shed on a farm in the middle of nowhere then noise will not be an issue. However, if you’re setting up a garden in an attic in a terrace house, one of your goals might be to keep the noise low to avoid causing a disturbance in the rooms below.
Aluminium Ducting
This is the ducting most people start out with. It’s efficient when pulled taught and extremely cost effective. It does vary in quality though, some ducting can be extremely flimsy, however some aluminium ducting is extremely high quality, won’t leak air or light and can survive being moved around. Remember the majority of budget ducting is poor quality, made from very thin flimsy plastic with a extremely thin layer of aluminium adhered to the surface.
Combi Ducting
Combi ducting comes with all the benefits of aluminium but also slightly reduces noise production. It is made from an aluminium and polyester inner shell, which is supported by steel coiled wire and is all wrapped up in a outer layer of black PVC. This combination creates a strong but flexible piece of ducting that is excellent for new and experienced users alike.
Acoustic Ducting
Consisting of an inner and outer layer of ducting that is separated by a layer of fibre glass, Acoustic Ducting is perfect for anyone who wants to reduce airborne noises. As the noise produced by an extraction fan passes down the ducting, the inner layer of fibre glass stops noise escaping into the external environment. This type of ducting is perfect for anyone setting up an indoor garden in their house or loft.
G.A.S Phonic Trap Ducting/Black Acoustic Ducting
Seen as the professional choice of ducting, Black Acoustic / G.A.S Phonic Trap Ducting is just as good as Acoustic Ducting but offers more stability and less chance of fibre glass contaminating your growing area. This is because instead of the inner layer of fibre glass found in Acoustic Ducting, the G.A.S Phonic Trap Ducting has a layer of non-allergenic (glass wool free) fibre inside that can be cut without the worry of the possibility of contaminating your grow room with glass wool.
When choosing your ducting, remember to take into account where and how you’re going to use it. Try to think ahead and preempt how your extraction system might impact others, and also try to work out how your ducting is going to be set out as you do not want ducting that is non-flexible when your run of ducting has to turn corners.