What is the purpose of ductwork in an HVAC system?

The primary purpose of ductwork in an HVAC system is to distribute heated or cooled air throughout a building. Ducts create a network that allows conditioned air to flow from the furnace, air conditioner, or heat pump to different areas of a home or commercial space, ensuring that all rooms receive the desired temperature. This distribution is crucial for maintaining comfort and temperature control in occupied spaces.

While filtering air, collecting condensation, and exhausting air outside are important functions in HVAC systems, these actions are typically handled by other components. For example, air filters are part of the HVAC unit itself, and components like drain pans and exhaust fans manage condensation and exhaust needs, respectively. Therefore, ductwork is specifically designed for the distribution of air rather than these other functions.