Whether you intend to remodel an older home or build a new one, designing a new duct system can be an overwhelming task. You’ll have to rely on the expertise of the contractor you choose in order to have a successful outcome. And while duct design might seem boring or unimportant, it has the potential to either help or hinder your home comfort and energy savings.The one design principle that will offer optimal results? Balancing the home’s floor plan with the need for ideally located ducts. While unique floor plans might enhance the look of your home, if they’re not in line with key ductwork design principles, they’re not worth it.That’s because ducts must meet certain designations in order to function properly. These include:
Short duct runs – The most direct route for supply runs that start at the A/C and furnace and end in the home’s individual rooms will allow for more air delivery, which will in turn result in better home comfort and a more efficient system.
Return grille placement – While supply runs are critical for delivery, the entire duct system relies on a balance of supply and return air, so the position of return grilles is also critical for comfort, efficiency and a balanced home pressure
Duct sealing – Often one of the final steps in the process, sealing the system's connections, registers and grilles will help you to avoid energy losses
The use of conditioned space – By placing ducts in conditioned spaces, you reduce the process of conduction, whereby conditioned air loses a portion of its energy, resulting in lower delivery temperatures. Plus, any air that does leak out stays inside your home.
Insulation – Often, some portion of the ducts will need to be located in unconditioned areas. These ducts should be well insulated and use a vapor barrier to avoid condensation problems
Use these tips when designing a new duct system, and get the best possible results by contacting Air Assurance Heating, Cooling & Air Quality for help! We serve homeowners in the greater Broken Arrow area.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our current promotions and get started today!