Elements of Expert Ductwork Design

It is important to not underestimate the importance of your ductwork design when installing a new HVAC system. It will have a huge impact on how comfortable you are in your home each day, as well how energy efficient your home is. Your HVAC system is only as strong as the weakest link and if you neglect the ductwork, you compromise your system’s performance and efficiency.

The first step in determining how your ducts should be laid out begins with figuring out what size air system is ideal for your home. A properly sized unit will provide optimal comfort while also keeping energy costs minimized. A professional HVAC technician can perform heating and cooling energy loads to determine how much energy is needed to provide adequate comfort to your home.

The actual ducts need to be sized as well. If they are too big, your HVAC system won’t efficiently circulate the air and your air will never be properly dehumidified, leaving a sticky, clammy feeling in the air.  If they are too small, not enough conditioned air will be distributed throughout your home, and it will put added stress on your HVAC system to try and move the air.

Once these steps are out of the way, your HVAC technician will begin to draft possible duct layout configurations. This also includes figuring out where the return and supply ducts will be placed throughout your home so that a natural airflow is established. Constructional features that may constrict where ducts can be placed also need to be taken into consideration.

The installation itself is, of course, the most important part. You should partner with a reliable HVAC technician to make sure they properly seal all of the ducts when installing them. This will ensure that they aren’t leaking valuable conditioned air into unnecessary spaces like the attic and crawlspace. Because most of the ducts get concealed in the walls or floors after installation, it is important that the job be done right the first time.

For more advice and help with designing the ideal ductwork design for your home, contact Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical.  We proudly serve the Charlotte area.