When done correctly, duct installation can improve your HVAC system’s efficiency. Ductwork distributes and circulates heated or cooled air throughout your home. Inefficiencies can originate in your air conditioner or furnace, but air ducts form a large network of channels and tubes. Therefore, inefficiencies can be anywhere and affect system performance and indoor air quality. At Trilogy AC, our duct installers consider your home’s unique requirements and follow best practices to provide a cost-effective, energy-efficient duct system.
Tips for Installing Ductwork to Improve HVAC Efficiency
Energy efficiency should be a primary consideration in the ductwork design phase. Your HVAC contractor looks at many factors to guide you in choosing a duct system that saves energy costs over time. The following tips can achieve this goal:
Choose the Material Carefully
The two most common ductwork materials are fiberglass and galvanized steel. Others include aluminum, PVC, and flexible ducts, but a lack of durability and increased friction can compromise efficiency. In terms of reducing energy consumption, your best options are:
- Fiberglass: Fiberglass ducts are thermally insulated to prevent heat loss or gain, which improves temperature control. They also produce less noise than other ducts.
- Galvanized Steel: Galvanized steel is more corrosion-resistant than stainless steel, and it is long-lasting and energy-efficient compared to other duct materials, especially when insulated.
With duct installation, material matters. Forming ceiling joist channels or closing wall voids won’t improve energy efficiency. Instead, focus on duct design, including the shape of air ducts. Round ducts are the most efficient. While square and oval ducts can help meet space requirements, they increase friction and force your HVAC system to use more energy.
Make the System Airtight
To make ducts airtight, they must be properly sealed and insulated. Otherwise, air leaks will cause various issues and, at the very least, reduce efficiency. Your ductwork should be designed with as few gaps as possible. Mastic or foil tape doesn’t provide a long-term solution; even the strongest will eventually fail.
To avoid energy efficiency issues and major repairs:
- Prioritize design and layout so ducts allow optimal airflow.
- Ensure all duct segments fit with high accuracy.
- Insulate ducts to minimize the chances of air leakage.
Install Ductwork Only in Conditioned Spaces
Air ducts are often installed in attics, crawlspaces, unfinished basements, and other unconditioned areas. These are exposed to hot or cold conditions, which increase energy loss. If possible, move exposed ducts into conditioned parts of your home, like behind interior walls or above ceilings. Your HVAC system can then keep rooms at a more comfortable temperature.
If there’s no room to move ductwork, try building a well-insulated chase around exposed ducts. Therefore, they won’t lose as much energy.
Consider Overall Design and Placement
Turbulence impedes airflow and reduces efficiency. You can minimize it by designing ductwork with smoother turns instead of sharp angles. Air handler placement matters too. If the unit is centrally located, air paths can be shorter and more direct, so the system doesn’t require as much energy.
Match the Ductwork with Your HVAC System
Duct sizing is critical to a successful duct installation. The larger your heating and cooling units, the larger your air ducts must be. Sizing ducts requires knowing your home’s square footage, but it doesn’t end there. You must also know the air velocity or flow needed, which is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM), and the friction loss rate:
- CFM: Each room has a required CFM, which must be calculated individually. To estimate it, first determine the HVAC unit’s capacity in tons. Then multiply this number by 400 (an HVAC unit’s average output) and divide the answer by your home’s total square footage. Do this for every conditioned room, substituting the output value for a number representing the room’s size in square feet.
- Friction Loss Rate: Friction loss rate affects the system’s overall airflow. It differs depending on duct size, length, and the number of coils, grills, filters, registers, and dampers. The number of turns in your ductwork also affects friction loss. Nonetheless, friction loss is difficult to measure, so your contractor must use a duct-size calculator and combine various measurements and features to perform a static pressure measurement.
Plan Cold Air Return Placement
The placement of cold air returns can affect efficiency. Installing them in framing openings is not the best choice if you want to save energy. It also attracts dust and microbes and makes cleaning the returns more difficult. The presence of gaps and openings creates a problem as well, as these can suck in air from outside ducts. Therefore, properly placed return vents prevent air from entering your HVAC system from unwanted sources.
Achieve Balanced Airflow/Air Pressure
Balancing airflow ensures each room receives the right amount of conditioned air. Otherwise, you can have hot and cold spots throughout your home. An experienced HVAC contractor should approach duct installation with airflow balance in mind. They can install dampers, insulation suited for your home, and other elements to achieve balanced airflow, and follow Manual D calculations to achieve optimal results.
Air pressure must also be balanced for your air ducts to be efficient. Negative air pressure not only reduces efficiency. It can also cause doors to suddenly slam shut. Properly designed air ducts are balanced, meaning the volume of air entering a room is equal to that leaving it. Creating balanced air pressure requires the following:
- Leave an inch between the bottom of interior doors and the floor, so air can circulate.
- Install manual dampers to adjust airflow based on how far vents are from the air handler.
- Create an unobstructed path for return air, not covered by curtains, furniture, or equipment.
Hire a Duct Installation Professional
An experienced contractor can manage the entire project, from initial planning to final installation to ductwork testing. Preferably, find one knowledgeable in energy-efficient products and green building techniques. Licensed professionals are familiar with industry guidelines and how to determine ductwork layout, properly seal connections, and prevent air leakage. They use Manual J and D calculations from Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) to properly size ducts to improve air distribution and efficiency.
Contact Trilogy AC Today
Trilogy AC provides high-quality duct installation and other HVAC services in Houston and beyond. Our technicians are NATE-certified and familiar with the latest products and technologies. Each installation is customized to your home’s unique requirements. Options are available to finance your project and make a well-informed decision. To benefit from comfort and a cost-effective solution, schedule service or call (832) 990-0523.
