Your Lorain-area home’s HVAC system relies on more than just the smooth and efficient operation of your furnace, air conditioner or heat pump for effective and efficient operation. The ductwork system that circulates air throughout your indoor environment is an integral component of your system’s overall efficiency. However, good, efficient ductwork design is not always characteristic of new construction homes or remodels.
A professional HVAC contractor should be on hand whenever ductwork is being designed or redesigned for a home. An expert technician will employ Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) calculations from Manual D, in addition to factoring in results from Manual S (heating and cooling system selection), and Manual J (heating and cooling load calculations). Whether you’re constructing a new home or remodeling an exisiting building, the following are some basic principles of quality ductwork design that will create a more effective and energy-efficient HVAC system:
- Use standard configurations: Some ductwork configurations have been proven to be more efficient than others. Stick to systems that work, such as the radial or trunk-and-branch approach.
- Correctly size ductwork: The aforementioned manuals should be used to ensure that air ducts are properly sized both for your household and the connected HVAC equipment. Air ducts that are too small or too large will be either unable to carry enough conditioned air to keep occupants comfortable, or contribute to energy losses that result in high energy bills.
- Install the right amount of air-return ducts: Air-return ducts are what bring stale air back into your central HVAC system to be re-conditioned. Ideally, you should install return registers in every room, including frequently traveled areas such as beneath stairwells and in hallways.
- Protect air ducts from energy loss: Install duct segments in conditioned and insulated areas to protect against excess energy losses that occur when the metal is not properly insulated and sealed.
To learn more about the principles behind good ductwork design, or other HVAC products and solutions, contact your Northeast Ohio experts at Energy 1 Heating and Air Conditioning. Our expert technicians are proud to serve residents in Lorain, Erie and Cuyahoga counties.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about ductwork designs and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area