Ductwork design is a crucial part of a good central cooling and heating system, and unfortunately, many contractors cut corners or simply aren’t adept at designing and installing duct systems that work as well as they should. Inferior ductwork design can lead to a lot of problems, including leaks, energy inefficiency, reduced indoor air quality and higher utility bills.
In terms of ductwork design, three major problems are typically encountered:
- Ducts that are too small. If your ducts aren’t large enough, they won’t be able to handle regular airflow rates. This can lead to many problems over time and contributes to energy inefficiency, which can cost you a lot of money over the long haul.
- Excessive Y-branch ducts. While Y-branch ducts are necessary for the proper routing of air, they can create system inefficiencies if they’re overused. Proper ductwork design uses these ducts only when necessary, rather than simply for the sake of ease or convenience of installation.
- Twisted or pinched ducts. Ducts that are bent out of shape or pinched in certain places inhibit the proper flow of air, which puts additional strain on the system… as well as on your pocketbook, since this leads to the same types of energy inefficiencies as ducts that are too small.
In addition to these design issues, contractors sometimes make errors during the installation process, or simply don’t use materials of high enough quality to ensure optimal system function. Some examples include the exclusive use of duct tape to seal leaks and connections, start collars that are too short, and leaks in the air return route.
At Ace Hardware Home Services, Inc., our highly skilled, certified and qualified ductwork design and installation professionals work hard to ensure our customers don’t suffer from inferior ductwork. If you’ve been having problems with your ducts and are considering an upgrade, don’t hesitate to contact us to find out how we can help. We have proudly served the Dayton area since 1978.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information, click here to download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Ace Hardware Home Services services the Ohio’s Miami Valley. To get started, check out our website or request an appointment.
