If you're undertaking new home construction, cooling and heating upgrades or retrofitting, make sure you and your HVAC contractor have an airtight plan in place that follows industry-standard protocol for good design and installation.
New Installs, Upgrades and Do-Overs
The ductwork system is a network of tubes and components which bear the responsibility of providing a channel for conditioned air to travel from the cooling and heating systems to the living spaces of your home. Good duct system design means you'll leverage peak performance from your new cooling and heating systems for optimal energy efficiency and comfort.
Follow these basics of good duct design for your new home, system upgrade or for efficiency retrofits and do-overs of earlier duct system faults:
- Layout: Ducts are susceptible to substantial energy losses when they're routed through unconditioned spaces in the home. Utilize spaces within the insulation barrier, such as sealed chases, raised floors and hang ceilings.
- Location installation: Utilize interior walls for supply outlets. Install a return register in each area containing a supply outlet.
- Sealing: Seal all duct joints at seams, outlets and grilles with mastic and foil tape.
A Word About Retrofits and Do-Overs
Ducts aren't always installed for optimal comfort and efficiency, or they may fall into disrepair without regular maintenance. Yet, sometimes a complete ductwork system overhaul isn't practical if a home may be sold in the coming years or if other budgetary constraints exist. A good HVAC contractor can implement effective upgrades in most situations without breaking the bank. Here are some methods:
- Identify air leaks with a blower door test and seal as needed.
- Insulate ducts located in unconditioned spaces.
- Install a zoning system to better regulate airflow for custom comfort and better efficiency.
- Check the filter and clean registers and outlets regularly. Make sure furniture or other objects, including closed doors, don't obstruct airflow.
Contact Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning today for expert duct system design, repair and installation. We serve homeowners in the Route 495/128 area of Massachusetts.
Image via Shutterstock.com