With the advancement in technology, the application of fabric ducting solutions can be found in numerous industries like retail stores, industrial applications, commercial spaces, and many more.
Fabric ducting solutions are the alternative to traditional metal ducting used for air conditioning, ventilation, and metal ductwork in buildings. They are highly beneficial due to their characteristics like lightweight, flexible ducting design, acoustic performance, and airflow efficiency.
Key Features Of Fabric Ducting Solution
Mentioned here are some of the key features and characteristics of fabric ducting solutions:
Aesthetic Appeal
You might think this characteristic is not very important, but one reason fabric ducting solutions are highly preferred is their aesthetic appeal.
They are available in numerous sizes, colors, patterns, and styles, which allows them to blend in the interior easily.
Airflow Efficiency
The airflow efficiency of the fabric ducting system is much more advanced than traditional ducting systems. Its characteristics, like the fabric, flow models, and suspensions, allow a more even air distribution cooling the space quickly.
Each fabric ducting shape, like round, half round, sector, etc., promises an even air dispersion.
Affordable And Easy Installation
Installation of fabric ducting is quicker as compared to installing traditional ducting solutions due to their lightweight.
The installation tasks required for metal ducting, like on-site attenuation, sheet correction, balancing, insulation, etc., are eliminated, making the installation process much faster and easier.
Noise Reduction
Users often complain that traditional metal ducting systems are very loud and can prove to be disturbing. On the other hand, fabric ducting solutions have great acoustic performance and greatly reduce noise transmission.
Why Do Healthcare Facilities Use Fabric Ducting Solutions?
After considering a few of the many advantages of fabric ducting solutions, it is easy to understand why healthcare facilities prefer them over traditional ones. Other sources also believe that fabric ducting solutions allow industries to make more sustainable and greener decisions.
Apart from being a sustainable solution, fabric ducting also saves healthcare facilities money on mold remediation and removal costs. For metal ducting, which is more prone to mold and duct accumulation, the cost of getting it cleaned can go up to $2.50 per square foot.
On the other hand, fabric ducting solutions have a very smooth surface, substantially reducing the probability of mold and dust accumulation, thus saving healthcare facilities the expense of mold remediation.
Here are some more reasons why healthcare providers prefer installing fabric ducting solutions:
Low Risk of Contamination
As compared to metal ducts, fabric duct has a very smooth surface without any joints and crevices.
These are where germs and bacteria can accumulate over time, making metal ducts more prone to spreading pathogens and dust. This can be harmful in sensitive rooms of a healthcare facility like operation rooms, isolation rooms, etc.
See related: Creating a healthy school environment with fabric duting
Economical
Due to evolving needs, healthcare facilities must often change their setup and orientation. For instance, during the COVID-19 crisis, countless cases were reported worldwide. This led to a volume of patients, because of which health healthcare facilities had to expand themselves in a span of one night.
Due to sudden expansion, hospitals faced multiple sudden financial commitments. With solutions like fabric ducting, which can be easily relocated and adjusted, hospitals can save a lot of revenue during emergencies and unforeseen circumstances.
Improved Air Quality
Fabric ducting solutions promote a much cleaner and improved indoor air quality due to their highly efficient air distribution and air stratification system. The ventilation holes in the fabric ducting are much more evenly distributed, making it easy to do spot cooling in the room.
The even air distribution also reduces the risk of mold and mildew. This feature proves to be highly beneficial in hospitals where patients are highly sensitive and need extra protection from airborne infections.
Infection Control
Fabric ducting solutions can be incorporated with specialized features and high-efficiency filters to control airborne infection.
Healthcare facilities and hospitals often add ultraviolet disinfection systems and HEPA filters in the fabric ducting solution to reduce the risk of infections and add a layer of protection.
Compliance with Regulation Standards
Healthcare facilities must comply with numerous safety regulation standards like fire safety, indoor air quality, energy efficiency, waste reduction, etc. With design assistance and smart-engineered fabric ducting solutions, all these regulations and much more can be easily met.
Additionally, cleanliness and hygiene are crucial standards healthcare facilities must comply with. Fabric ducting solutions have an extremely smooth surface, making it easier to clean and sanitize. The risk of pathogens and bacteria accumulating on the smooth surface is also very less.
Lastly, fabric ducting solutions are also known to be more sustainable and green solutions. What to know the best part?
Sources also mention that fabric ducting can provide more sustainable ventilation now as « choosing recycled fabric ducts will help businesses see a…50% reduction in water use and a 66% reduction in energy consumption. »
Common Questions About Healthcare Facilities Choosing Fabric Ducting Solutions
Are fabric ducting solutions suitable for all HVAC systems?
Yes, fabric ducting solutions are suitable for all types of HVAC systems as they can simultaneously be used for air supply and air ventilation.
What role do fabric ducting solutions play in infection control in a healthcare facility?
Fabric ducting solutions can play a big role in infection control in a healthcare facility. They are easy to clean, distribute air evenly, minimize bacterial growth, and reduce the spread of airborne contaminants.
What are some disadvantages of using fabric ducting solutions?
One of the major disadvantages of fabric ducting solutions is that they can easily get punctured or sag if not installed carefully. With kinks and sag, the efficiency of fabric ducting can be highly affected.
Do fabric ducting solutions prove to be cost-effective for healthcare facilities?
Over time fabric ducting solutions prove to be highly cost-effective. Initially, the installation cost might seem very high, but it provides a long-term saving option.
How long can fabric ducting solutions last?
Fabric ducting solutions are highly durable. With proper care and maintenance, it can last up to 10-20 years.