What Is the Difference Between Conduit and Ducting?

A conduit is:

• A pipe or channel for conveying water etc.
• A duct or tube into which electrical cables may be pulled; a type of raceway.
• A means by which something is transmitted.

Whilst ducting is defined as:

• A pipe, tube or canal which carries gas or liquid from one place to another.
  heating and air-conditioning ducts
• An enclosure or channel for electrical cable runs.

By these definitions, ducting falls under the classification of a conduit as it conveys air. Your HVAC system can have ducting for air, and a conduit for its wiring (depending on the system).

Depending on where you are and who you speak to, the terms ducting and conduit may be used interchangeably  to describe the exact same thing. Essentially, there is no difference between the two.

Sealing ducts

Firstly, why would you need to seal your ducting?

Unfortunately, leaks can occur in your ducting from general usage over time. & it is recommended you test your HVAC system annually to stay on top of any potential repair work.

We do not advise you to leave any ducting with a leak, as soon as a leak is located, be sure to turn the system off, as there will be residual fumes being breathed in which could cause health problems, especially for those with allergies.

It is possible to seal your ducts yourself, however, if you are new to this process we recommended you contact your local tradesman in order to assist you.

The best option to use to seal ducting is by using duct seal. This is a compound designed to fill cracks & leaks on ductwork. Using gloves, attach the case to a mastic gun & simply apply the sealant on the affected area. You can spread the sealant via a plastic spatula or additionally secure the area with fabric mesh.

Is HVAC & ducting the best possible prevention for mould?

If you want the best possible prevention from the dangers of mould, ventilation systems along with having a regular ventilating routine is the most secure option you take. Proper ventilation is as simple as:

• Opening a window and using an extractor fan during or after a hot bath/shower
• Creating an airflow by opening windows on different sides of the home for around 20 minutes a day
• Buying or making use of extractor fans within the home
• Opening a window or using an extractor in the kitchen whilst cooking hot meals
• (if living in a house) opening windows downstairs and upstairs, allowing the rising hot air to escape through upstairs windows, while cool, fresh air circulates in from the downstairs windows.

Track your humidity levels

Consider buying a Hygrometer. This device measures the levels of humidity in the air, which can indicate to you which rooms are creating the perfect environment for mould. This is a valuable maintenance and detection device that we offer.

Deal with it

If you find mould on your food, dispose of it and any other foods that may have been touching the moulded food, or open within the same area. If you find mould on any surfaces, clean it immediately with our anti-mould surface cleaner.

If mould reappears at a certain spot in your home, check to see if there is any leak or damage to the area that can be letting moisture in. If so, contact your landlord or trusted tradesman to fix the issue.

Browse our mould control options for the best possible solutions to dealing with mould.

Please note that these steps will not completely defend against mould if there are leakage issues in your home, but will certainly help to mitigate the growth of mould if done on a regular basis.

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