Heating, Air Conditioning, Fridge, HVAC/HVAC ducts

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Expert: J Cook - 3/26/2009


Question
We live in Southern Calif. Our house has no AC/Furnance.  We are having a new HVAC system installed.  We have no attic.  Ducts will be installed in crawlspace.   One HVAC contractor states he will install with solid alum flex duct w/R-6 insulation.  Another HVAC contractor says we must insist on galvanized steel ducts to prevent rodent intrusion.  Are we better off with the alum flex or galvanized steel?  Pros/Cons?

Thanks for your input.

Teresa

Answer
With the ducts in the crawl space, I would opt for the solid metal instead of the flex. Also be sure the ducts are externally insulated. Internal insulation will gather dust and externally insulated the ducts will last a lifetime. There is not much comparison, as solid ducts are far better than flex ducts. Thanks J

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J Cook

Expertise

With 25+ years experience, I am familiar with residential, commercial, and industrial HVAC equipment including but not limited to boilers, chillers, reciprocating and screw compressors. I am trained in all manners of control wiring.

Experience

I currently have three HVAC licenses and Refrigeration license by the State of North Carolina. I have been in this field for over twenty years. I have been a service technician for a contractor and also worked at a state college in the repair and maintenance of steam lines and equipment. I am currently the Building Maintenance Superintendent for a municipality.

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