Category "HVAC Ducts"

When designing an HVAC system or buying a new HVAC system, one of the most critical decisions is choosing the right duct material. The two most common options are Stainless Steel (SS) and Mild Steel (MS) ducts. Each comes with its own set of advantages, costs, and ideal applications. Understanding their differences can help you make a more informed choice for efficiency, durability, and long-term performance.

1. Corrosion Resistance

Stainless Steel is naturally resistant to rust and corrosion, making it ideal for humid, coastal, or industrial environments. Mild Steel, on the other hand, is prone to rust and typically requires galvanization or painting for protection.

If your system operates in a corrosive environment, SS is the safer choice.

2. Strength and Durability

SS ducts are extremely strong and maintain structural integrity over long periods, even under heavy stress. MS ducts are durable too but may warp or weaken over time in harsh conditions.

3. Weight and Handling

Mild Steel is lighter and easier to handle during transportation and installation. Stainless Steel is slightly heavier, which can make installation more labor-intensive but adds to long-term durability.

4. Cost Considerations

SS ducts come with a higher upfront cost due to the material itself and fabrication requirements. MS ducts are more budget-friendly, making them suitable for cost-conscious projects in non-corrosive environments.

5. Hygiene and Maintenance

Stainless Steel is easy to clean and maintain, making it ideal for hospitals, kitchens, and food-processing areas where hygiene is critical. Mild Steel requires more upkeep to prevent rust and contamination.

6. Ideal Applications

➤ Stainless Steel Ducts: Hospitals, laboratories, coastal areas, industrial environments with corrosive air.
➤ Mild Steel Ducts: Commercial buildings, offices, residential complexes, and non-corrosive areas.

With Degree Day, India’s largest manufacturer of Stainless Steel and Mild Steel ducts, you get high-quality, fully customized HVAC duct solutions designed to last decades. Our ducts are engineered to deliver optimal airflow, superior hygiene, and maximum energy efficiency, making them ideal for a wide range of applications from residential and commercial buildings to hospitals, labs, and industrial facilities.

We combine state-of-the-art manufacturing technology with rigorous quality checks, ensuring every duct meets international standards. Our Stainless Steel ducts are perfect for corrosive, humid, or hygienically sensitive environments, while our Mild Steel ducts provide cost-effective, reliable solutions for non-corrosive spaces.

Read Our Duct Related Blogs

For more insights on HVAC ducts, materials, and systems, check out these informative blogs from Degree Day Pvt. Ltd.:

➤ Galvanized Iron (GI) vs Stainless Steel Ducts: Which Performs Better?
➤ Which HVAC System Suits Your Industry? A Complete Guide for Every Sector
➤ Best HVAC Solutions for Warehouses & Factories
➤ Prefabricated vs Handmade Ducts: Which Is Right?
➤ How to Choose the Right Duct Material
➤ Types of HVAC Ducts and Their Applications
➤ What Is CFM in HVAC and Why Does It Matter for Your Factory?
➤ Why HVAC System Is the Backbone of Modern Industrial Infrastructure
➤ How Does HVAC System Work in Commercial Buildings?
➤ Top HVAC Trends in 2025

Explore these blogs to learn more about choosing the right ducts, improving system efficiency, and staying updated with the latest HVAC trends.

Frequently Asked Question

Proper ventilation is one of the most critical yet often overlooked elements of a commercial kitchen. Whether it is a restaurant, hotel kitchen, cloud kitchen, industrial canteen, or food court, an efficient ventilation system directly impacts safety, hygiene, energy efficiency, staff productivity, and regulatory compliance.

In this blog, we explain why proper ventilation is essential in commercial kitchens, how it affects daily operations, and what businesses should consider while designing a compliant system.

Read – Best HVAC Solutions for Warehouses and Factories

What is Commercial Kitchen Ventilation?

Commercial kitchen ventilation refers to a system of exhaust hoods, ducting, exhaust fans, and fresh air supply designed to remove:

– Excess heat
– Smoke and steam
– Grease-laden vapors
– Odors and harmful gases

A well-designed ventilation system ensures clean air inside the kitchen while maintaining pressure balance with surrounding spaces.

1. Fire Safety and Risk Reduction

Commercial cooking produces highly flammable grease vapors. Without proper ventilation, grease accumulates inside hoods and ducts, significantly increasing the risk of kitchen fires.

Proper ventilation:

✓ Captures grease at the source using baffle filters
✓ Reduces grease buildup in ducts
✓ Supports integration of fire suppression systems

This is why fire authorities mandate fire-rated ducting and mechanical exhaust systems for commercial kitchens.

2. Heat Control and Staff Comfort

Kitchens generate intense heat from cooking equipment like fryers, ranges, ovens, and tandoors. Poor ventilation leads to uncomfortable working conditions, fatigue, and reduced productivity.

An effective ventilation system:

✓ Removes excess heat
✓ Maintains manageable kitchen temperatures
✓ Improves working conditions for chefs and kitchen staff

Comfortable staff work more efficiently and make fewer errors during peak hours.

3. Indoor Air Quality and Health

Cooking releases pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and fine particulate matter. Continuous exposure to these pollutants can affect staff health.

Proper ventilation helps:

✓ Remove harmful gases
✓ Reduce respiratory discomfort
✓ Maintain healthy indoor air quality

This is especially important in cloud kitchens and enclosed commercial spaces.

4. Hygiene and Food Safety Compliance

As per FSSAI Schedule 4, kitchens must have adequate ventilation to prevent smoke, condensation, and grease droplets from contaminating food.

A compliant ventilation system:

✓ Prevents oil and water from dripping onto food preparation areas
✓ Reduces odor buildup
✓ Supports hygienic cooking conditions

Poor ventilation is a common reason for FSSAI non-compliance and inspection failures.

5. Odor Control and Customer Experience

Uncontrolled cooking odors can travel to dining areas, corridors, or neighboring properties, negatively impacting customer experience and brand image.

Proper ventilation:

✓ Contains odors within the kitchen
✓ Protects dining and public spaces
✓ Is essential for restaurants, hotels, and mixed-use buildings

6. Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

When ventilation is poorly designed, kitchens lose conditioned air, leading to higher energy consumption.

A well-planned system:

✓ Balances exhaust and fresh air
✓ Reduces unnecessary load on air cooling systems
✓ Lowers long-term energy and maintenance costs

7. Regulatory Compliance (NBC, FSSAI & Fire Norms)

In India, commercial kitchen ventilation must comply with:
✓ National Building Code (NBC)
✓ FSSAI food safety regulations
✓ Local fire authority norms

Proper ventilation ensures:

✓ Faster approvals
✓ Smooth fire NOC and license renewals
✓ Safe and legally compliant operations

How Degree Day Provides End-to-End Ventilation Solutions for Commercial Kitchens

Degree Day Pvt. Ltd. provides comprehensive ventilation solutions for commercial kitchens, enabling restaurants, hotels, cloud kitchens, and industrial canteens to maintain a safe and comfortable working environment. Proper kitchen ventilation is essential for removing heat, smoke, grease, and odors. We design systems that do exactly that efficiently and reliably.

With over 26 years of experience and ISO 9001:2015 certification, we handle everything from ventilation system design to installation and execution. In our commercial kitchen ventilation systems, we use high-quality MS ducts that can withstand high cooking temperatures and improve fire safety, and we also install powerful exhaust systems that capture smoke and grease at the source, keeping the kitchen air clean and fresh.

By reducing heat buildup, improving indoor air quality, and supporting safety compliance, Degree Day’s kitchen ventilation solutions help commercial kitchens operate smoothly, safely, and efficiently every day.

Frequently Asked Questions

When planning an HVAC system, choosing the right type of ductwork is a decision that can significantly impact performance, energy efficiency, and installation time. The debate often boils down to prefabricated ducts versus handmade ducts. Both options serve the purpose of air distribution effectively, but they differ in precision, cost, installation speed, and long-term performance. Let’s explore these differences so you can make an informed choice for your project.

What Are Prefabricated Ducts?

Prefabricated ducts are manufactured in a factory using advanced machinery and automated processes. Each duct is cut to precise dimensions, often pre-insulated, and tested for quality and air-tightness before reaching the site.

Key Features of Prefabricated Ducts:

– Factory precision and standardization: Every piece is manufactured to exact specifications.
– Faster installation on site: Pre-cut and ready for assembly, reducing on-site labor.
– Pre-tested for quality and leakage control: Ensures consistent airflow and energy efficiency.
– Reduced on-site labor and errors: Factory production minimizes mistakes common in manual fabrication.

Why Choose Degree Day?

As Central India’s largest prefabricated duct manufacturer, Degree Day Pvt. Ltd. provides high-quality ducts with unmatched precision and durability. With pan-India delivery across Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, your HVAC projects can enjoy reliable support and timely logistics.

What Are Handmade Ducts?

Handmade ducts are fabricated manually on-site or in small workshops. Skilled technicians cut, bend, and assemble sheet metal, usually galvanized steel or aluminum, according to project requirements.

Key Features of Handmade Ducts:

– Highly flexible in design and fit: Ideal for complex layouts or irregular spaces.
– Adaptable for last-minute changes: Modifications can be made directly on site.
– Labor-intensive and skill-dependent: Workmanship quality directly impacts performance.
– More prone to leakage and errors: Manual assembly can lead to inefficiencies if not closely supervised.

Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is a crucial factor in HVAC performance. Prefabricated ducts typically offer superior air-tightness, reducing energy loss and ensuring optimal system efficiency. In contrast, handmade ducts, if not sealed perfectly, can waste up to 30% of conditioned air, driving up operational costs over time.

Prefabricated vs. Handmade Ducts: Pros and Cons

Which Should You Choose?

Go for Prefabricated Ducts If:

– Your project is large-scale: commercial, industrial, or institutional.
– You want fast installation, lower leakage, and long-term efficiency.
– Your goal is green building certification or compliance with energy-efficient standards.
– You prefer a trusted manufacturer with pan-India delivery, like Degree Day.

Choose Handmade Ducts If:

– Your project has space constraints or unusual layouts.
– You need quick modifications during construction.
– Upfront budget constraints are more important than long-term efficiency.

Both prefabricated and handmade ducts have their place in HVAC projects. If your priority is quality, speed, and energy efficiency, prefabricated ducts from a trusted manufacturer like Degree Day are the smarter choice. For projects requiring custom shapes, tight spaces, or last-minute adjustments, handmade ducts still serve an important role.

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