Ductwork design is an integral element of the home HVAC system, so it’s important to get it right the first time. That means working closely with a reputable HVAC contractor with a successful track record of designing ducts and HVAC systems by industry best practices – Manuals J, S and D from the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA).
Load Calculations
In order to design a ductwork system that will efficiently channel heated, cooled and ventilated airflow in your Dayton area home with minimal restrictions and heat energy losses, there are specific measures and calculations that must be followed. Manual J is the proven method for accurate heating and cooling load calculations from room to room, as well as block calculations for the entire home.
Your HVAC professional inputs data into a software program, which saves time and helps ensure accuracy. Some of the information processed includes:
- Design and architectural specs of the home;
- Building materials;
- Square footage;
- Orientation to the sun (room by room);
- Local weather statistics, and more.
HVAC System Selection
HVAC system selection is next (Manual S). Ask your HVAC pro to perform a lifetime cost analysis (purchase price, installation and estimated operating costs) of potential HVAC systems, such as a dual-fuel hybrid system.
Ask your contractor how these ductwork add-on systems can maximize comfort, drive energy savings, provide healthful indoor air quality and/or lighten the HVAC load:
- Whole-house humidifier;
- Air purification system;
- WiFi thermostat network;
- Zoned temperature control.
Ductwork – Design, Installation, Sealing
Several ductwork design options using Manual D should be drawn up for comparison and efficient integration with architectural layout and structural system. These are important elements that finalized ductwork design should follow:
- Branches to each room are correctly sized, so a small room doesn’t receive the same or even more airflow than a larger room.
- Ducts outside the insulation barrier are properly insulated to minimize heat energy transfer to unconditioned spaces.
- Duct connections are thoroughly sealed with mastic paste and wrapped with metal tape.
- Blower door test is performed to verify duct integrity.
If you have any questions about ductwork design for your new Dayton or Springfield home, please contact us at Ace Hardware Home Services, Inc.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
Image courtesy of Shutterstock
