Make the right choice for your home, office, or building by saying goodbye to polyester flexible ductwork connector systems and hello to steel ductwork.
Steel duct air distribution systems are:
- Long-lasting
- Durable
- Non-combustible
- Efficient
- lowest in resistance to airflow
- Easy to install correctly
- Inexpensive
- Resistant to mold growth promotion
- Lightweight
- Easy to clean
- Widely available in many standard and custom sizes
- Recyclable
INEFFICIENCY OF POLYESTER FLEXIBLE DUCTWORK
Polyester flexible ductwork, or “flex,” has become a widely used residential duct material. It’s cheap, easy to install, soft, flexible, and can be cut to length to fit anywhere, making it popular with installers. However, flex is significantly less efficient than steel duct and is often installed improperly, leading to restricted air flow and further inefficiency.
Energy Star, a joint program of the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), recommends to “avoid flex duct whenever possible” and states that “flexible duct runs longer than 5’ can severely restrict airflow.”
STEEL DUCT: A SUPERIOR ALTERNATIVE
Compared to alternative products, steel ductwork, with its smooth walls, offers the most efficient way to move air throughout a building. Steel ductwork may cost more initially, but it will quickly pay off in energy savings, performance, and indoor air quality. When sealed and insulated properly, steel duct is the most energy-efficient means for air distribution systems, as metal duct maximizes HVAC system performance. Better airflow means your HVAC system does not have to work as hard, resulting in lower energy costs.
Not only is steel ductwork highly efficient, but it is durable and non-combustible, too. Galvanized steel is long-lasting and puncture resistant, making it the perfect choice for your air distribution system compared to systems made from polyester, fiberglass, and other materials, providing you with the longest system lifespan possible. Products with plastic and polyester can emit toxic fumes when burning, even though they claim to be “fire resistant.” However, steel ductwork is completely non-combustible, providing you ease of mind.
Air distribution systems should be cleaned regularly to remove dirt that can harbor bacteria and other health dangers. Removing dirt build-up regularly will also increase the efficiency of your system. Steel duct systems are the easiest to clean and will not rip or tear in the process, as polyester flexible ductwork would. Polyester flex ductwork should only be cleaned by a trained professional, as it can be easily damaged if cleaned using inadequate tools or by someone without experience. Flexible ducts can be delicate and deteriorate over time, and deterioration will be sped up if regular cleaning and maintenance are not performed. With steel duct, clean knowing this product is built to last and can handle aggressive cleaning.
THE SOLUTION: GREENSEAM PLUS SNAP-LOCK PIPE
Designed and tested to surpass SMACNA Class 3 leakage standards, the GreenSeam Plus factory-sealed snap-lock steel duct HVAC pipe is the solution you’ve been looking for. GreenSeam Plus is made of galvanized steel (ASTM A653 and A924) with a G-60 galvanized coating (ASTM A653 and ASTM A90). GreenSeam Plus’ transverse and longitudinal seam is factory-sealed with a patented gasket made of EPDM rubber and proprietary copolymer.
Snap-lock systems previously had a bad reputation because they were thought to cause ‘doglegging’ and uneven pipe runs, sometimes resulting in leaks. However, the GreenSeam Plus system is proven to provide straight pipe runs and a tight seal. The GreenSeam Plus system is also quick and easy to install, resulting in significant labor cost savings because additional sealing is unnecessary. Without the need to apply external sealants, time spent on a ladder is reduced by up to 80%, creating a safer work environment.
Need fittings too? No problem! GreenSeam offers factory-sealed fittings to be used with the GreenSeam Plus system. Some of our most popular sealed fittings include HETOs (High-efficiency take-offs), conicals, and tees.
WHERE CAN I BUY GREENSEAM PRODUCTS?
Ready to buy? GreenSeam products are sold through a selective distribution network and are available at more than 200 locations across the U.S. Use the GreenSeam distributor map to locate a distributor near you.
