Regardless of how efficient and expensive your HVAC system is, it will only be as effective as your air ducts that form your home’s circulatory system. Poorly-designed ducts will downgrade comfort and indoor air quality and increase your energy bills. Here are the basic principles of good ductwork design.
Duct Location
Ducts are best located in conditioned areas of your home. If they’re routed through unconditioned spaces such as unfinished attics and garages, they’ll be exposed to extreme outdoor temperatures. If you must install them in these spaces, ensure they’re insulated as per the recommendations of the International Energy Conservation Code.
No Ductwork Substitutes
In some older homes, building voids such as wall cavities and spaces between ceiling joists were used as a pathway for conditioned air. Avoid such makeshift ducts because they’ll waste energy and reduce your home’s air quality. Only install ducts that are made of approved materials, such as sheet metal and fiberglass.
Balanced Airflow
Good duct design incorporates balanced return and supply airflow to create neutral air pressure in all rooms. Unequal pressure can lead to uneven temperatures and draw unfiltered air from the attic, crawl space or outdoors. Install manual dampers where the branch ducts join the trunk duct. They’ll provide a means of balancing the positive pressure from the air leaving the ducts with the negative pressure from the air being drawn in through the return ducts.
Clear Airflow Path
It’s best for each room with a supply duct to have a dedicated return duct. If costs prohibit this arrangement, a central return located in a common area, like a hallway, is the best alternative.
Sealing and Testing
Ensure duct segments are fastened together with sheet metal screws. Junctures should be properly sealed with mastic, foil tape or both. You should have all your ducts leak-tested before connecting them to your HVAC equipment.
By getting your ductwork design right, you’ll improve energy savings and enhance the comfort levels throughout your home. If you have more questions about ductwork design, please contact us at Ace Hardware Home Services. We serve the Dayton area.
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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