A high-performance and efficient heating, ventilation and cooling system relies on well-designed and installed ductwork. If the ductwork has inefficiencies, your HVAC unit must work harder to maintain efficiency. In turn, this results in costly repairs and premature equipment failure. Therefore, it's clear that the ducting design and installation are critical for your HVAC system's efficiency.
When working with your HVAC contractor, consider these four ductwork design best practices to achieve a highly efficient HVAC system for your building.
Opt for Approved Ducting Materials
Before embarking on your ductwork installation, keep the choice of ducting materials in mind. When shopping around, only select approved materials for your project. The most popular ducting material is sheet metal since it's very lightweight and easy to work with during such projects. However, contemporary homes are steadily embracing fibreglass ductwork because of its flexibility, malleability and built-in insulation.
Consider Strategic Ductwork Placement
Location is paramount in ductwork design. If possible, never place your ductwork in poorly insulated areas that suffer from high-temperature fluctuations, including basements and attics. That's because your HVAC system must work harder to maintain the ideal temperature. Furthermore, it means you will pay much more for heating and cooling spaces you don't frequently use.
Ensure Tight Sealing and Ductwork Insulation
Even with the above best practices for ducting design, ductwork that lacks proper sealing and insulation can't deliver the required efficiency. Air leakage can potentially occur in locations that lack proper sealing. Additionally, lack of insulation means heated air loses its temperature as it passes through the ductwork. Conversely, cooled air gets heated, making the places that require cooling warmer. Therefore, ensure all the ductwork is sealed tightly using mastic or other special sealants and metallic tape. Also, you can enhance the insulation using rigid fibre boards or other relevant insulators.
Make Certain Air Pressure is Balanced
Lastly, consider balancing the air supply and air return during your ducting design and installation. Any imbalance in air pressure can result in high energy bills and reduced indoor comfort. To achieve excellent balance in air pressure, have your contractor install return grilles in all target spaces. Also, consider jumper ducts in spaces with closed doors to eliminate hindrances and provide uninterrupted airflow.
Conclusion
These are the four best practices to consider when designing and installing your ductwork to provide your home with better indoor air quality. Since everything is at stake, the design and installation of your ductwork must be meticulous.
For more information on ducting, contact a company near you.
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