Glossary of terms
Term
Definition
Related links
Air Distribution Systems
An air distribution system is the network of components within an HVAC system that delivers conditioned air from the air handling unit to the occupied spaces. It includes ducts, diffusers, grilles, and other elements that control airflow direction, velocity, and temperature for optimal comfort and efficiency.
Air Socks
A colloquial term for fabric ducts. Often used interchangeably but may refer to generic flexible ducts
Canvas Ductwork
Canvas ductwork refers to air distribution ducts made from flexible, durable canvas or fabric materials rather than traditional metal.
CFD
It is a computer-based analysis. A CFD service / analysis at FabricAir is a custom 3D simulation that predicts how air will move, distribute, and mix in a space, verifying airflow patterns, velocities, and temperature distribution to ensure the designed duct (especially fabric ducts) will perform well.
Commercial Duct
A commercial duct (or commercial ductwork) is part of a building’s HVAC system used in non-residential structures (offices, shopping malls, restaurants, etc.). It forms a network of passages - typically made of sheet metal, fiberglass, or fabric - that channel conditioned air (heated, cooled, or ventilated) from the air handling units to spaces and back. Good commercial ducts are carefully designed, sealed, and insulated to ensure efficient airflow, energy savings, and even temperature distribution.
Ceiling Air Diffuser
A device that distributes air evenly into a space. Can be metals or textile-based.
Duct Sock
Typically refers to low-cost fabric alternatives for air distribution.
Duct Sox
Duct sox refers to a fabric air dispersion system, typically made from textile material, designed to evenly distribute conditioned air throughout a space as an alternative to traditional metal ductwork.
Fabric Air Duct
An engineered textile air dispersion system that replaces traditional sheet metal ducts
Fabric Duct
Fabric duct is a textile-based air distribution system designed to deliver and diffuse conditioned air evenly across a space as a lightweight alternative to traditional metal ducts.
Fabric Duct Sock
A fabric duct sock is a flexible HVAC air distribution system made from permeable or non-permeable fabric instead of metal. It delivers and evenly disperses conditioned air through engineered perforations or nozzles along its length, ensuring uniform airflow and comfort.
FabricAir PRO
It is a Revit Add-In tool developed by FabricAir to simplify the incorporation of fabric ducting into HVAC designs. It streamlines the design process, making it faster and more efficient.
Industrial Air Duct
An industrial air duct is a large-scale ventilation conduit used in factories, warehouses, and production facilities to transport air, remove contaminants, and regulate temperature. It’s designed for high airflow capacity and durability to withstand demanding industrial environments.
Industrial Ductwork
Industrial ductwork refers to large-scale air distribution systems used in industrial environments to transport air, fumes, dust, or other particulates for ventilation, heating, cooling, or process applications.
Material Ducting
Material ducting in the HVAC industry refers to the use of various materials - such as galvanized steel, aluminum, fiberglass, or fabric - to construct ducts that transport and distribute air within a building’s heating, cooling, and ventilation system. The choice of material affects airflow efficiency, durability, noise, and installation cost.
Textile Ventilation
A form of air distribution using fabric ducts, offering even airflow and quiet operation.
