Well-functioning ductwork plays a significant role in your house’s comfort since it is responsible for circulating warm or cool air to the rooms in your house. However, a duct system put in place carelessly can result in several issues such as conditioned air leakage premature failure of your air conditioning system, or poor air quality.
To avert such issues, it would be best if you not only familiarize yourself with crucial aspects of the installation process but also get in touch with an experienced and competent contractor, who will assist you in opting for a conditioning system that functions well with the size of your duct, and the brand that works best for you.
Additionally, the contractor will also fine-tune your duct for it to function at maximum efficiency.
Things to consider
When moving or renovating a new home, the HVAC ductwork installation is an essential but delicate step. Common mistakes that homeowners tend to make during the ductwork installation process include:
Inadequate or poor sealing
If your ducts are poorly sealed between sections, it can lead to poor air quality, air leaks, or it can grasp unconditioned air from outside.
Not having a well-structured plan.
Before installing your ducts, it would be convenient to have a well-structured plan that shows the AC system’s strategically map to avert lengthy runs, which implies that your HVAC system will struggle when pushing conditioned air to the right rooms.
Wrong placement
If the duct location is close to a wall that isn’t well insulated, the outside air will temper with the conditioned air.
Not having the relevant size.
Several factors should remain etched in your head when measuring the materials, such as the load required, your HVAC brand, and where your ducts will be located. Not considering the stated factors will significantly interfere with the duct installation process.
Crimping and sharp bends
Installing the ducts in sharp corners or tight spaces can restrict air from flowing through the ducts as it should. Therefore, be sure that you install it where there is adequate space.
Getting the right materials
Sheet metal
Aluminum and galvanized steel are great materials for ductwork since it provides adequate strength. However, it entails if certain cons that you should be aware of. For instance, they aren’t flexible, and they are hard to insulate.
Fiberglass
This is an amazing material for ducts along with preexisting ceilings and between rafters. In addition to that, the compressed boards are easy to seal and cut and already insulated.
Plastic
Individual ducts are fashioned using plastics, which is a well-insulated and durable alternative. The most robust and best type of plastic to use would be polyurethane.
The installation process
If done well, a team of experienced and dedicated contractors, the installation should be swift and effective. However, putting the ducts yourself may take longer, especially if you don’t possess adequate knowledge and experience.
The appropriate steps to take when installing the ducts are:
Planning and Design
Preparing the materials is an essential step. This phase includes mapping the AV system’s design, which should show the location of the vents, the pathway, and the returns. Additionally, you should possess adequate materials to size your ductwork.
Putting the plenum in place
The plenum is essential during the installation process. This is the chamber that grasps the conditioned air from the HVAC system.
Putting the main trunk lines in place
This is mainline of distributing the air.
Installing the brunch runs
These are brunches of your HVAC system that moves conditioned air from the main trunk lines to the rooms. Depending on the shape or material you use, you should use the right joints.
Putting the returns in place
This will help balance the air in your air conditioning system.
Keeping your Ducts in Good Shape
Similar to other HVAC systems, ducts need a regular maintenance routine. Unfortunately, most homeowners frequently neglect to keep their duct system in shape after the installation, consequently restricting it from functioning at maximum efficiency and tempering with the cost of how your house is cooled and heated.
On the other hand, its damage is inevitable. The pipes will eventually crack, expelling conditioned air while allowing hot, dirty air into your house. If the duct isn’t attended to accordingly, it may cost an arm and a leg when repairing or replacing it, not to mention. It can result in several respiratory issues.
On average, duct systems should be cleaned after a span of three to five years. This will prevent the buildup of mold from becoming a server issue for you and your family.
Pests and other creepy crawlers can take shelter in your ducts and contaminate the conditioned air with terrible odors and debris. In case you spot some pests or your system isn’t functioning as it should, ensure that you contact a contractor who will assist you in sanitizing the area.
Additionally, debris can be noticed in poofs of dust that are expelled for air vents. This can decrease your ducts’ functioning capability and cause dangerous allergies; eventually, you and your family will experience cold-like symptoms. To avert such dreadful circumstances from occurring, it would be best to have a maintenance plan that you will adhere to.
Trends in ductwork installation services
The adoption of smart technology and allows the HVAC technology to be controlled from a centralized system. This creates ease and functionality in identifying maintenance issues and adapts smarter mobile solutions to the industry.
HVAC contractors should also adapt customer service integration for customize installation appointments and get feedback on their services, as a good review goes a long way.
Why you should contact a contractor
Now that you are familiar with the installation process and other important factors, it would be best to get in touch with a contractor rather than do the installations as a DIY project. This is because not only are they familiar with the right steps to take, but they are also equipped with the relevant tools to perform their tasks successfully. Therefore, don’t compromise; deal with professionals.