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HVAC ductwork

KoolDuct- What is it, and why is it a great ductwork solution?

Introducing Kingspan KoolDuct System

Side view of KoolDuct duct work

The KoolDuct System is a premium, pre-insulated Kingspan phenolic duct product that is both the ductwork and insulation all in one, providing labor savings and improved energy efficiency while also eliminating the need for an insulator. This innovative interior duct solution has been installed throughout the United States, Europe and Middle East and is also used in outdoor duct solutions such as the Pro-R duct system.

What is KoolDuct? What are Features of KoolDuct?

Kingspan KoolDuct System is a revolutionary HVAC ductwork product. KoolDuct is pre-insulated and is made of closed-cell foam. Its innovative design offers unmatched savings in energy costs in the HVAC industry, providing R-values from R-6 up to R-47 and incredibly low air leakage rates. Additionally, KoolDuct’s non-fibrous, rigid phenolic insulation core provides significant indoor air quality benefits. This leads to a high-performing building.

KoolDuct Features:

  • UL 181 Listed for fire and smoke performance and mold growth test due to smooth aluminum interior surface

  • Space-saving- can be installed directly along ceilings, walls, and floors

  • LEED Point eligible- contributing toward a LEED rating

  • Cost savings- Lightweight duct work reduces installation labor costs due to less time and fewer crew members required

  • High R-Values from R-6 to R-24

  • 13 ft. joints helps save on labor and material costs for installation

  • Up to 72% less weight compared to traditional ductwork methods

  • Ideal for mechanical rooms, attics, shafts, and hard-to-reach interior spaces

  • Lightweight Kingspan KoolDuct closed cell phenolic insulation delivers high energy savings

  • Available with TDC and 4 bolt connections, making installation contractor-friendly

  • Near-zero air leakage, easily achieves SMACNA Class 3

Why Phenolic Ductwork?

Kinspan KoolDuct System along ceiling of building

Phenolic ductwork is made using a high-performing alternative duct material. Phenolic duct systems like KoolDuct reduce duct leakage and increase thermal efficiency of HVAC systems. Using this type of duct product means that a contractor does not have to deal with separate ductwork and separate insulation, as it is pre-insulated, saving time, money, and reducing project timelines.

Kingspan KoolDuct can be installed internally or externally, above a false ceiling, or visibly mounted. It is quite versatile, providing an opportunity for plenums, risers, and other individual system components to be integrated to a standard sheet metal duct system.

KoolDuct Applications

The Kingspan KoolDuct® System is engineered to be used in building services and HVAC applications. It is perfect for both new and renovation projects on all levels- residential, commercial, industrial, and leisure sectors. KoolDuct is the preferred choice for the food, beverage, pharmaceutical industries, and other industries that require clean and hygienic air. In addition, high humidity environments are another application that KoolDuct outperforms competitors on due to its UL181 mold growth test. Swimming pools are no problem! Kingspan KoolDuct also is a top choice for communication or server rooms where non-fibrous material is preferred to keep everything running smoothly.

What are the Indoor Air Quality Benefits of KoolDuct

A big advantage to KoolDuct is that its insulation is fiber-free, offering a higher level of indoor air quality (IAQ) than standard ductwork. Traditional duct utilizes fiberglass insulation that releases fibers overtime and is also susceptible to mold due to its ability to absorb water.

Why You Should Choose Kingspan KoolDuct

If you are looking for a duct system product that offers thermal efficiency, unmatched cost savings on labor, IAQ benefits and a lightweight design that can be installed virtually anywhere, then KoolDuct would be an excellent choice for you.

To learn more about the Kingspan KoolDuct system, contact us for a free consultation by calling us at 651-265-0605 or at info@ductsandcleats.com.

Whole-Life Cost of Ductwork Systems

The Positive Effects of Kingspan Pre-insulated Ductwork on Project Whole-Life Cost

Low capital cost has been a constant top priority in building design in order to boost profits. However, operating cost is another important feature for buildings that are part of rental contracts because they require continuous maintenance and services provided by the lessor. This can also be the case for forward-thinking clients who want to consider sustainability as part of their building design and thus want to minimize service costs of the building over time.

The concept of “whole life cost” encompasses the total cost of the building over its life which includes, but not limited to, capital and operation/maintenance costs. Thus, in order to minimize the whole life cost of a building, products and systems must be selected that are low cost and meet design requirements that will also provide the lowest whole life cost. In consideration of this, the proper selection of ductwork and its insulation are of utmost importance.

KoolDuct Analysis

Cyril Sweett, an independent consultant, was tasked by Kingspan Insulation to assess whole life costs of various ductwork systems in the UK. The analysis showed that the Kingspan KoolDuct System:

  • Can save more than 21% over a 30-year life cycle

  • Provide a 20% savings in operating and whole life cost

An additional analysis completed by the mechanical and electrical engineering firm, MDA Engineering Inc., examined empirical data collected from two independent buildings owned and operated by Luther Home of Mercy. The findings collected from the analysis showed that the Kingspan KoolDuct System:

  • Saved over 16% in capital costs over a 30-year life cycle

  • Is predicted to have over a 14% saving on whole life cost

Overall, the Kingspan KoolDuct System is a top product when choosing an insulated HVAC ductwork system where whole life cost is a vital component to project design.

KoolDuct as an Outdoor Duct System

Our patented pro-R duct system utilizes the KoolDuct system as an internal core and integrates it with a durable and weatherproof metal exterior, providing the ultimate solution in efficiency and durability. In addition, TDC connections make it easy for contractors to work with and the various color choices allow for an attractive exterior.