ducted

Ducted refers to any system or component that uses an enclosed conduit or duct to transport air, gas, smoke, or other substances from a source to a destination. Ducts are typically made of metal, PVC, fiberglass, or flexible polymers and are designed to minimize leaks, control pressure, and regulate flow. In buildings, ducted systems are contrasted with ductless designs, where generation and distribution occur at the point of use without an integrated network of conduits.

In HVAC and ventilation, a ducted air conditioning or heating system uses a central unit (furnace, heat pump, or air handler) connected to a network of supply and return ducts. Conditioned air is distributed to rooms through diffusers or registers, and return air is drawn back to the unit. Ducted systems can be zoned, insulated, and balanced to improve comfort and efficiency, but retrofitting or leaks can increase installation cost and reduce efficiency if not properly sealed.

Other uses of ducted systems include central vacuum systems, which route dust-laden air through wall-piping to a remote canister; ducted exhaust or fume extraction systems, which convey contaminated air to a distant exhaust stack; and ducted fans or propeller assemblies, where a shroud or duct concentrates flow to improve thrust and reduce noise.

In design and safety, ducting must meet standards for fire resistance, insulation, air leakage, and filtration. Maintenance typically includes cleaning, sealing leaks, and ensuring dampers and grilles are accessible. Etymologically, the term derives from the Latin ductus, meaning led or drawn.