What metal pipe diameters are most commonly used in homes?

In standard 100-150 m2 residential homes, 160 mm or 200 mm diameter pipes are most commonly chosen for the main trunk lines from the heat recovery unit. These diameters allow an airflow of 250-400 m3/h to pass while maintaining a very low air velocity (up to 3 m/s). Such slow air movement in a wide pipe guarantees the system will operate without any aerodynamic hissing. Smaller 125 mm or 100 mm diameter pipes are typically only used as short branches to individual, small rooms or bathrooms.

Why is a round spiral duct pipe better than a rectangular one?

A round spiral pipe is the most aerodynamically perfect shape, creating the least friction and preventing air turbulence from forming in corners. Rectangular ducts have internal corners where air slows down, creating turbulence and increasing pressure drops. For this reason, fans in rectangular systems must work harder and louder to push the same volume of air. Furthermore, round spiral pipes are naturally more rigid, vibrate less, and are much easier to thoroughly clean using rotating brushes.

How to correctly cut galvanized steel pipes?

It is best to cut galvanized steel pipes using special tin snips, an electric metal nibbler, or a low-speed saw. It is strictly not recommended to use high-speed angle grinders, because the intense heat burns off the protective zinc layer at the cut. Once the zinc is lost, the cut edge can begin to rust over time from the moisture in the air. After cutting, the edge of the pipe must be carefully smoothed with a file so that no sharp metal burrs remain, which could damage the rubber gaskets of fittings during connection.

Pipes for Galvanized Steel Ducts

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Noise Silencers

Rigid spiral galvanized steel pipes are the main highways of your ventilation system, ensuring completely free and unrestricted air movement.

Thanks to their perfectly smooth internal surface and solid construction, these ducts create the lowest possible aerodynamic resistance.

Build a durable, industrial-grade ventilation route that will allow your heat recovery unit to run quieter and consume less electricity.

The discomfort caused by narrow and uneven ducts

Ventilation system noise and poor efficiency almost always start with incorrect trunk pipes. If pipes with a too-small diameter or an uneven internal surface are chosen for the main routes carrying the largest air volume, the air encounters massive friction. This friction turns the natural airflow into a continuous hissing sound, which becomes unbearably annoying at night when the house is completely quiet.

Pressure drops in the pipes force the heat recovery unit to become a massive electricity consumer. Due to high aerodynamic resistance, the fans must spin at much higher speeds just to push a minimal amount of fresh air to the furthest rooms. The equipment works at the limit of its capabilities, wears out faster, and you still do not feel full comfort in your bedroom.

Wide highway straights for fresh air

Round spiral galvanized steel pipes act as open highways for your home's microclimate. Their smooth, seamless internal surface and perfect round shape allow the air to glide without the slightest turbulence. By choosing an appropriately large diameter (e.g., 160 mm or 200 mm), the air velocity drops drastically, and along with it, any aerodynamic noise in your living spaces vanishes completely.

The rigid steel construction entirely isolates any vibration. Unlike soft ducts, a spiral pipe is incredibly strong and does not deform due to its unique manufacturing technology (folding the sheet metal into a spiral shape). Air is transported through these pipes so efficiently that your heat recovery unit can operate in its quietest and most economical mode, ensuring perfect freshness all year round.

Up to 20% lower electricity consumption – the minimal air resistance of round spiral pipes allows the heat recovery unit motors to work easier, extending their lifespan and saving your money.

Galvanized steel pipes are sold in standard 3-meter lengths and various diameters. To create an aerodynamically perfect trunk line, it is important to evaluate these technical parameters, which directly determine your system's efficiency:

Pipe diameter (mm) - this is the most important indicator. It is selected based on the expected air volume (m3/h). For the main exhaust and supply trunks from the unit in residential homes, 160 mm or 200 mm is the standard. A larger diameter always means lower air velocity and quieter system operation.
Steel thickness - the wall thickness of standard round ducts varies from 0.4 mm to 0.7 mm, depending on the diameter. Thicker sheet metal provides greater mechanical rigidity and slightly better acoustic insulation, preventing engine noise from penetrating through the pipe walls.
Zinc coating class - high-quality pipes are covered with a protective zinc layer (Z275) that prevents corrosion. This is especially important in damp areas or when transporting cold outdoor air, where short-term condensation can form on the walls.
Spiral seam - the externally visible spiral seam functions as a stiffening rib. It allows the pipe to maintain its perfect shape even under external forces, such as when mounting them with duct clamps.

Matching pipes with fittings

Pipes never connect directly to each other – connectors or reducers are required. When planning your shopping cart, remember that the internal diameter of the pipe is designed so that any standard fitting (elbow, tee) fits perfectly inside it. If you need to join two straight pipes together, you will need an additional nipple (male) connector.

Main steps for working with sheet metal

Preparing metal pipes requires specific tools and attention to detail. Unlike flexible systems, mistakes here cost more, so the rule 'measure nine times, cut the tenth' is critically important.

Measuring and marking - accurately measure the required distance between two connection points. Remember that about 4-5 cm of the fitting's collar will slide inside the pipe, so cut the pipe slightly shorter than the total physical distance between the elbow axes.
Cold cutting - use only tin snips or special electric nibbler tools. Avoiding angle grinders preserves the zinc coating at the cut site and protects the trunk line from potential rusting in the future.
Edge finishing - always smooth the cut edge with a file. Any sharp metal burr will tear the EPDM rubber gasket upon insertion, which will compromise the system's airtightness.
Fastening and insulating - after inserting the joint, screw it in with metal self-tapping screws and, if the pipe runs in an unheated space, carefully wrap it in rock wool insulation to protect against condensation.

The highest hygiene standards for a lifetime

Galvanized steel pipes boast the best maintenance properties of all duct types. Their hard, smooth surface does not accumulate static charge, making it very difficult for dust to stick to the walls. If you change your heat recovery unit filters regularly, you will likely not need to clean these pipes for decades. However, if preventive cleaning is ever needed, the hard walls allow professionals to use fast-rotating brushes without fear of damaging the duct structure – restoring perfect cleanliness in just a few hours.

Pipes for Galvanized Steel Ducts

Often bought together with

The discomfort caused by narrow and uneven ducts

Wide highway straights for fresh air

Matching pipes with fittings

Main steps for working with sheet metal

The highest hygiene standards for a lifetime

Frequently Asked Questions

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Often bought together with

How metal ventilation pipes create silence in your home

How to choose the right pipes for your system?

Measuring, cutting, and installing pipes

Frequently Asked Questions

About

Help

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