Flexible ducts are a popular choice for many HVAC systems, but they come with some drawbacks. Susceptible to problems, flexible ducts are softer and tend to be more easily damaged due to torsion, compression, pinching, and pests or rodents. They are also less durable than traditional metal ducts, as they can easily pierce or become brittle over time. On the other hand, one of the advantages of flexible ducts is that they considerably reduce noise transfer. If you oversize them and place a few soft serpentine layers on them, they can absorb sound in a very effective way. However, flexible ducts can also restrict airflow more than metal ducts.
Higher airflow means greater efficiency of the air conditioning system, but flexible ducts are more susceptible to interference caused by compression, clamping and torsion. If ducts are installed in an attic or in a small storage space where boxes or other objects can hit them, this can also decrease airflow. This decrease in efficiency could translate into higher energy bills. In conclusion, flexible ducts have their advantages and disadvantages. While they can reduce noise transfer and are easier to install than metal ducts, they are more prone to damage and can restrict airflow.
It is important to consider all of these factors when deciding which type of duct is best for your HVAC system.
