20 common duct accessories, along with their functions, definitions, and major suppliers/brands:
Duct fittings (elbows, tees, reducers):
Used to change the direction or size of the ductwork as needed. Duct fittings are available in a variety of materials and sizes to fit specific ducting needs. Major suppliers and brands include Nordfab, Spiralmate, and Quickfit.
Volume dampers
Used to control airflow by adjusting the volume of air allowed through the ductwork. Volume dampers can be manual or automated and are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. Major suppliers and brands include Zephyr, Ruskin, and Greenheck.
Access doors/panels
Used to provide access to areas of the ductwork that need maintenance or repair. Access doors/panels come in a variety of sizes and materials to fit specific ducting needs. Major suppliers and brands include KAD Air Conditioning, VentilationUSA, and Acutherm.
Grilles and diffusers
Used to distribute air into the building from the HVAC system. Grilles and diffusers are available in a variety of styles to fit specific aesthetic and performance needs. Major suppliers and brands include Titus, Krueger, and Price Industries.
Fire dampers
Used to prevent the spread of fire throughout the ductwork in case of a fire. Fire dampers are installed at intervals along the ductwork and automatically close upon detecting heat. Major suppliers and brands include Lloyd Industries, Nailor, and Greenheck.
Flexible connectors
Used to connect sections of ductwork that need to move or vibrate without causing damage. Flexible connectors are available in a variety of materials and sizes to fit specific ducting needs. Major suppliers and brands include Novaflex, Hi-Tech Ducts, and Masterduct.
Turning vanes
Used to direct airflow around corners and reduce turbulence. Turning vanes are available in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit specific ducting needs. Major suppliers and brands include Loren Cook, Ruskin, and Acutherm.
Vibration isolators
Used to reduce noise and vibration caused by HVAC equipment. Vibration isolators are available in a variety of materials and sizes to fit specific equipment needs. Major suppliers and brands include Mason Industries, Vibro-Acoustics, and Kinetics Noise Control.
Silencers
Used to reduce noise levels in the ductwork. Silencers are available in a variety of materials and sizes to fit specific ducting needs. Major suppliers and brands include Kinetics Noise Control, Vibro-Acoustics, and IAC Acoustics.
Thermostats and controls
Used to regulate temperature and airflow in the HVAC system. Thermostats and controls come in a variety of styles and complexity to fit specific equipment needs. Major suppliers and brands include Honeywell, Johnson Controls, and Siemens.
Vibration pads
Used to reduce noise and vibration caused by HVAC equipment. Vibration pads are available in a variety of materials and sizes to fit specific equipment needs. Major suppliers and brands include Diversitech, Surefoot Corporation, and Mason Industries.
Air curtains
Used to create an invisible barrier between different areas of a building. Air curtains are available in a variety of sizes and styles to fit specific applications. Major suppliers and brands include Berner International, Mars Air Systems, and Powered Aire.
Damper actuators
Used to automate volume dampers for precise control of airflow. Damper actuators come in a variety of types and sizes to fit specific damper needs. Major suppliers and brands include Belimo, Siemens, and Schneider Electric.
Smoke detectors
Used to detect smoke in the ductwork in case of a fire. Smoke detectors come in a variety of types and sensitivity levels to fit specific applications. Major suppliers and brands include System Sensor, Notifier, and Edwards.
UV lights
Used to disinfect the air as it passes through the ductwork. UV lights are available in a variety of styles and sizes to fit specific applications. Major suppliers and brands include Fresh-Aire UV, Steril-Aire, and American Ultraviolet.
Duct wrap
Used to insulate the ductwork and improve energy efficiency. Duct wrap is available in a variety of materials and thicknesses to fit specific ducting needs. Major suppliers and brands include Owens Corning, Armacell, and Johns Manville.
Access platforms
Used to provide safe access to areas of the ductwork that need maintenance or repair. Access platforms come in a variety of sizes and styles to fit specific applications. Major suppliers and brands include SafeTec Platforms, Rite-Hite, and Kee Safety.
Duct support systems
Used to support and secure the ductwork in place. Duct support systems come in a variety of types and sizes to fit specific ducting needs. Major suppliers and brands include Knauf Insulation, Hilti, and Walraven.
Duct cleaning equipment
Used to clean debris and dust from inside the ductwork. Duct cleaning equipment comes in a variety of types and sizes to fit specific ducting needs. Major suppliers and brands include Rotobrush, Nikro Industries, and Koblenz.
Pressure gauges
Used to monitor the pressure in the ductwork and ensure proper airflow. Pressure gauges come in a variety of types and styles to fit specific applications. Major suppliers and brands include WIKA, Ashcroft, and Omega Engineering.
20 Most Common Duct Accessories