What is the purpose of ductwork in an HVAC system?

The correct answer is to distribute air throughout a building. Ductwork is a crucial component of HVAC systems, specifically designed to facilitate the movement of conditioned air—whether heated or cooled—throughout various spaces within a structure. This distribution is essential for maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures and good air quality, ensuring that different areas of a building receive the appropriate amount of airflow.

While refrigerant storage is an important aspect of HVAC systems, that function is typically managed by specific components such as refrigerant lines and coils, not ductwork. Filtering air pollutants is indeed important for maintaining indoor air quality, but this task is primarily handled by filters located in the HVAC unit or integrated into the ventilation system, rather than within the ductwork itself. Lastly, the external shell for outdoor equipment pertains to the casing or housing surrounding HVAC units, which has no relation to the function of ductwork. Therefore, the role of ductwork in distributing air distinctly highlights its primary purpose within an HVAC system.