Ducts are widely used today in HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning). Their main purpose is to serve as a passage for air. They are important in maintaining ideal indoor air temperature and quality. For this reason, ducts should be able to resist external temperatures to maintain the air flowing through them at a constant temperature. In order to do this, ducts are made from or coated with insulation materials. Aluminum and galvanized steel are the most commonly used materials for creating ductwork because of their availability. However, these can be heavy, especially in the case of galvanized mild steel. That is why some manufacturers use polyurethane.
Polyurethane (PU) is a type of plastic resin. It can be made flexible or rigid. It is very versatile and is used not only for industrial products but also in many end-user products such as mattresses, shoes, and tires. Polyurethane is commonly used because of its insulative properties. In your home, polyurethane duct boards are present in your refrigerator and freezers. If you have a relatively modern home, then the walls could have been lined with polyurethane duct boards or panels in order to prevent heat loss during colder months and to keep the air inside your home cool during the summer or warmer months. The common house and commercial building areas that are lined with polyurethane duct boards are cavity walls, floors, roofs, pipe and boiler areas, and large air ducts.
Advantages of Using Polyurethane Duct Boards
Insulation is not just for comfort. The act of keeping cold and hot air in certain conditions has a long term effect. In the EU, private households contribute about 35% to total CO2 emissions. Using polyurethane duct boards and other insulative materials will lessen the CO2 emissions of refrigerators, heaters, and air conditioners. Having a properly insulated space will lessen their electricity consumption. Lining target areas with polyurethane panels would be expensive at first but this will, in turn, help home owners and business owners to save money in the long run.
Commercial buildings also need less maintenance if they are properly lined with polyurethane panels. Unlike aluminum and galvanized steel, polyurethane panels are easier to work with and are more efficient in terms of space saving. These panels can be efficiently used without disrupting the interior and exterior design of a house or building. Overall, polyurethane panels are gradually becoming a necessity in both homes and offices.