International. According to FabricAir, logistics, installation and maintenance are the 3 main problems that can arise in the proper functioning of air ducts.
For the brand, air distribution systems are essential for every building. However, before and after installation, many questions or problems can arise and every step must be thought out down to the last detail.
"Proper planning and selection of the right air dispersion system can help avoid wasting time and resources, reduce costs and avoid operational disruptions. So, from logistics to maintenance, air distribution systems require a lot of planning, and more often than not, conventional solutions pose some difficult problems that have better alternatives."
Problems with conventional solutions
FabricAir indicates that conventional metal ducts are heavy and take up a lot of space. "Some systems may require a lot of metal ducting, which would require transportation in large trucks. In addition, there is a high probability that ducts will not be installed immediately and will need to be stored, most likely outdoors due to limited space."
In that sense, outdoor storage could affect the cleaning of the ducts and, if the ducts are not cleaned properly, the accumulated dirt and debris would be moved to the areas already cleaned or prepared.
"Metal ducts are extremely heavy and require many special tools, skilled workers and heavy machinery to install. The installation process is also time-consuming, as it takes 30 to 40 minutes to install one meter in length of duct."
Moreover, the company points out that in large facilities where there may be hundreds of meters of ductwork, metal ductwork can add significant time to the construction or renovation process.
"The maintenance of metal ducts is also very complex. Both externally and internally, ducts can accumulate dirt and bacteria, and some companies must maintain air distribution systems due to strict hygiene requirements."
For proper maintenance, FabricAir notes that "it may be necessary to turn off ventilation systems, which could mean stopping production."
Lighter, faster and simpler: "it's all in the fabric"
Considering the problems associated with transporting, installing and maintaining metal ductwork, FabricAir ensures that fabric air dispersion systems can be an effective and, in most cases, superior alternative.
"Their natural properties of flexibility and lightness make fabric ducts one of the best alternatives to metal in the entire HVAC industry."
The company indicates that one of the biggest advantages of textile ducts is their lightness and ease of packaging. "Unlike metal, fabric ducts can be transported very easily as they are densely packed in boxes on a few pallets. Even for the largest applications, they can be shipped worldwide without the need for transport trucks."
In addition, such fabric ducts are easy to store until the day of installation. The closed box ensures that ducts remain clean and undamaged until installed and will not incur additional maintenance issues by bringing dirt and debris into premises occupied by people or delicate machinery.
"When considering installation time, this is one of the best solutions, as ducts don't have to wait until the ceiling of the room has been prepared."
Manufacturers can ship the rails immediately, which arrive at the construction site in just a few days. "In addition, no special tools or equipment are required to install the rails. The duct parts can be ready in a few days, and in about a week, only two people can hang the fabric ducts, resulting in an attractive, safe and smooth running air distribution system."
Simply put, fabricAir finds fabric ductwork so easy to install that, "even with limited experience, it takes about 10 minutes to install a single operating meter."
Now, in the face of maintenance, the company explained that they require it, "however, it is significantly easier. One of the easiest ways is to buy replacement fabric ductwork that can be replaced and the system can be up and running with less downtime and less effect on productivity."
If spare ductwork is not available, the system can be uninstalled, flushed in a commercial washing machine, and reinstalled. "There is no need for specialized companies or expensive maintenance."
In short, fabric-based air distribution systems can save not only a lot of time, but also money and resources for FabricAir. That is, they are an "efficient and superior alternative to conventional metal HVAC systems that are incorporated into a growing number of applications with superior results."
