A system of ducts, especially the network of tubes used in heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems in buildings.
Compound of 'duct' and 'work.' The term emerged in the 20th century with modern HVAC development, combining the Latin-derived 'duct' with the Old English 'work' to describe the physical infrastructure.
That hidden network of metal tubes in your ceiling and walls carrying hot or cold air is incredibly important—bad ductwork design can waste 20-30% of your heating or cooling energy!
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