Considering the high cost of fuel these days, quality ductwork can be a huge energy saver — or energy waster. If you’re considering a duct inspection or HVAC equipment upgrade, it’s important to familiarize yourself with these five HVAC air duct principles, especially if you live in an older home.
When employed correctly, these principles correct flaws that commonly plague old duct systems and may improve efficiency by more than 20 percent.
Locate Ducts in Conditioned Areas
By keeping ducts out of attics, crawlspace and garages, you can reduce their exposure to extreme summer and winter temperatures. This reduces heat loss/gain through the ductwork’s conductive metal walls. If no other option is available, ductwork in unconditioned areas should be properly insulated.
Install Metal or Fiberglass Ducts
Money-saving ductwork substitutes of the past are no longer acceptable. This includes using channels between joists to transport conditioned air. Today, approved permanent materials are the only appropriate options.
Keep Pressure in Balance
Dampers in the ductwork are often used to control airflow to different rooms for zoning purposes. They’re also desirable simply to maintain balanced pressure for comfort and efficiency.
Install a Return Register for Every Supply Register
Every room except your kitchen and bathroom should be fitted with at least one supply and one return register. By adding and removing air at the same rate, it maintains a neutral pressure. If this is not feasible, a large central return vent in a common area is acceptable as long as the path from supply vents in individual rooms to the return vent in the common area remain unobstructed. Air pass-through grilles and jumper ducts are two ways to accomplish this task.
Seal and Test Ducts at Installation
During a retrofit or new installation, ducts should be fastened securely with sheet metal screws. Joints should then be sealed with duct mastic, not rubber-backed duct tape. Finally, the technician should leak-test the installation to insure it meets minimum standards.
With these HVAC air duct principles in mind, you’re ready to improve your home’s ductwork. Contact Ace Hardware Home Services, Inc. in Dayton for more useful information.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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