7 STEPS TO EASY HEATING DUCT INSTALLATION
7 STEPS TO EASY HEATING DUCT INSTALLATION
Do you plan to install ductwork in the home or office?
For work and leisure, a fully functional HVAC system is an essential part of modern life. It doesn't matter if you're installing ducts or making repairs to existing ducting. It doesn't have to be.
For easy HVAC duct installation, follow these seven steps.
1. IMPORTANT: DESIGN YOUR VENTILATION BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE
Before you can install any type of ductwork, you need to determine your load calculation. This is how you calculate heat loss and gain in each space. This is because it will help you determine which rooms have to have ductwork installed and which ones can live without.
Note down the calculations and create a diagram. Once you've completed your calculations you can plan your project. It is important to take your time to determine the location of the ductwork. Also, plan where the air return pipes will be placed.
You don't need to have a detailed blueprint. However, it is important to be as precise as possible. It is essential to provide accurate measurements of all rooms. This will enable you to size the ducts, and figure out how much material/equipment you will need.
2. CHOOSE THE RIGHT DUCTING
Flexible fiberglass hose or sheet metal are just two options for ductwork. Sheet metal ductwork has a proven track record of effectiveness and is well-tested.
Sheet metal ductwork is strong and durable, no matter whether you're building new or renovating an old one. Sheet metal ductwork can last for many years if installed correctly and properly maintained.
Sheet metal comes with a few additional benefits. Sheet metal is much easier to install than traditional sheet metal, making it ideal for a DIY project. There are many sizes and fitting options available, so it is suitable for all homes. Sheet metal stays cleaner for longer periods of time and is less likely to gather dust.
Flexible fiberglass ducting can degrade over time. It can become clogged with dust, making it difficult to clean. They will also need to have a greater volume than metal ducting in order to provide the same amount of airflow. Airflow restriction can be greatly reduced if you don't leave enough space in the corners or create kinks.
3. PICK THE LOCATION OF YOUR HVAC FIRST
Find the most convenient location for your exhaust pipes. Consider how easy it is to connect everything. Lofts often house MVHR (or heat recovery) systems. However, if you don't have enough space or vaulted ceilings to store them, you can place them in a storage closet.
Ducting is usually done in ceiling voids that are between floors and lofts. Vaulted ceilings aren't able to allow for this, as there is no ceiling void. Instead, you can install them using webbed eco joists that are placed between floors and inside stud walls.
4. AVOID LONG RUNNS AND BENDS
Airflow is affected by any bend. It's possible for equipment to end up far from the area that requires cooling if you don’t take enough time during the design phase. This can result in long ductwork runs which make it harder for your HVAC unit.
Airflow will be affected by too many bends and two sharp bends. It reduces the airflow that can reach the area in need of cooling. This causes your HVAC unit to work harder and the room heats up.
5. WORK WITH EXISTING DUCTING
Sometimes, it's easier to include existing ductwork into your new system. Don't repurpose old ductwork.
You may not be able to follow the best practices when working with existing ductwork. If you have to connect two pipes together but can't maintain a 1.5-inch overlap between them, install a butt joint on one side. To secure circular ductwork, you can use a draw-band connector.
You shouldn't peel off foil tape in between sections while tearing down the ductwork. Instead, score each seam and take out any screws. This will allow you to create a surface that is suitable for reapplying new tape. Tape the old tape onto clean surfaces.
6. SEAL PROPERLY
If your ductwork doesn't seal properly, you could lose as much as 20% of your conditioned indoor air. This is a problem that's worse for high-efficiency systems which have a shorter lifespan and a lower capacity.
Air spends more time in the pipes and has greater escape opportunities through joints. Also, make sure to seal the joints with mastic and metal-backed tape. This will prevent leaks.
7. CHECK AIRFLOW BY COMMISSIONING THE SYSTEM
Make sure to check your ductwork after it's installed. You should have your HVAC unit checked to ensure that the airflow levels are correct.
Some models have an app that allows you to control the air conditioning. This reduces the time it takes to install the air-con unit. They can also check airflow levels via the app. This eliminates the need to manually adjust fan speeds by returning to the control unit.
This will ensure accurate commissioning. You want everything to work at maximum capacity when it is installed. In the event that it does not work, you may have to call them back for a repair.
HVAC DUCT INVESTMENT MADE EASY
These 7 steps will ensure your HVAC duct installations go smoothly.
Avoid most problems by planning ahead. Installing the right materials can help ensure that the installation will last for years with little maintenance.
Columbus Airduct Cleaning
Columbus, OH
(740) 291 0950