Your HVAC system plays a big role in energy efficiency, but it’s no reason to overlook the ductwork in your Nacogdoches home. Proper ductwork design helps create a more comfortable home environment while offering tremendous savings on heating and cooling costs.
Handling Ducts in Unconditioned Zones
An HVAC system can easily lose its heating or cooling effectiveness if the ducts pass through unconditioned spaces such as attics and crawl spaces. Your contractor should make a point to avoid these spaces as much as possible. Ducts that must travel through unconditioned areas should be insulated against temperature extremes.
Bringing Balance to Ductwork
It’s important to keep the positive and negative air pressure caused by conditioned HVAC air intake and removal balanced. Ductwork dampers can help create neutral pressure by adjusting airflow in minor increments.
Sealing and Testing Ducts
The biggest energy efficiency losses come from leaky ducts. All segments should be sealed properly and pressure-tested to ensure minimal air losses.
Creating Unobstructed Paths for Airflow
The fewer obstacles that lie in the way of air returning to your HVAC system’s return air ducts, the better performance you’ll get out of your system. Furniture and other materials should be kept out of the way of the supply and return air ducts. For completely enclosed areas without a return duct, ceiling-mounted jumper ducts and door-mounted pass-through grilles can help deliver airflow to where it’s needed most.
Getting the Job Done Properly
Of course, the key to proper ductwork design is having it done right the first time. Unfortunately, many contractors attempt shortcuts that seem to save time and money but prove costly in the long run. Not only should your ductwork be built out of permanent materials like fiberglass and metal, but it should also be designed and assembled in accordance with the Air Conditioning Contractors of America’s (ACCA) Manual J, D and S guidelines.
Learn more about McWilliams & Son Heating & Air’s ductwork design solutions, or give us a call at 877-936-1974 to schedule an appointment today.
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