A Homeowner’s Guide to HVAC Ductwork

As a homeowner, you need to understand the different parts that make up your HVAC system to get the most out of them. Your home’s ductwork is a crucial component of the system. Here are some of the HVAC ductwork basics you should know.

Materials

Ducts can be fabricated out of fiberglass duct board, insulated plastic, sheet metal, or cloth. Oftentimes, the duct system in homes is made using two or more of these materials.

Ductwork Parts

Return air is the first part of your duct system. It consists of return plenums that carry air from individual rooms into the air handler or furnace. Once heat has been removed or added, the air enters the supply part of the ductwork. This part delivers conditioned air to your rooms.

There are two types of supply plenums: central plenum and extended plenum. In a central plenum system, all the branch ducts begin at the same plenum. In an extended system, a supply air plenum is attached to your HVAC equipment’s outlet. The main supply ducts connect to this plenum. Branch ducts are attached to these main ducts and deliver conditioned air to individual registers.

Inside the Ducts

There are flexible sections called vibration isolators that are installed inside the ductwork before or after the air handler to minimize vibration. Turning vanes are also installed in the ducts to help the air change direction easily by reducing resistance and turbulence.

Volume control dampers fitted within the ducts adjust the volume of airflow to the different sections of your ducting unit.

Ductwork Efficiency

Special aluminum tape or mastic is used to seal the seams between ductwork pieces. Ducts are separated from unconditioned areas like the crawl space and attic with insulation. Both sealing and insulation provide long-lasting ductwork efficiency and protection.

Understanding HVAC ductwork basics will make identifying problems and caring for your system much easier. If you need help with installation or maintenance of your ductwork or any other HVAC components, contact us at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning. We proudly serve the Lorain area with quality HVAC products and services.