Today’s air conditioning and heating systems are engineered to deliver exceptional performance over an extended lifecycle. While the build quality of the equipment is important, many homeowners are unaware of the enormous impact that the air distribution system has on:
- Efficiency
- Comfort
- Indoor air quality
In fact, a poorly functioning duct network can raise monthly utility costs by as much as 50%. A ductwork replacement or repair can restore lost efficiency and cost substantially less than a new HVAC system. Our team at Gary’s Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. offers solutions.
The Importance of Duct Sizing
Prior to the mid 2000s, most duct systems were sized by using rule-of-thumb methods typically based on the square footage of the building. Unfortunately, these formulas did not account for the design characteristics that define each home’s unique energy consumption profile. Ductwork that is incorrectly sized is responsible for the vast majority of comfort-related homeowner complaints.
Computer technology and software development led to the introduction of ACCA Manual D duct design standards, which account for the impact of:
- Windows
- Doors
- Insulation
- Perimeter tightness
- Other factors on the total heating and cooling load
Duct Installation Standards
Homes built before the late 2000s often suffer from significant HVAC performance issues. Before that time, ductwork installation standards were lax or nonexistent. Connections were usually fastened with unsealed tape, which eventually causes gaps and leaks as the tape begins to fail. In a duct system with significant leakage, efficiency is compromised, and dirt from the crawl space or attic can be drawn into the HVAC system and deposited directly into the living area.
How We Repair or Replace Duct Systems
At Gary’s Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc., we understand the importance of combining quality HVAC equipment with a correctly designed and properly installed duct system. The duct itself can be constructed from sheet metal, flexible duct, or duct board, but the process is similar no matter what the duct material is made of.
All of our ductwork installation projects include double strapped connections, completely sealed seams and duct designs that precisely match equipment capacity. For existing ductwork, we can determine the source and amount of duct leakage by performing a static pressure test. Any obstructions are cleared, and duct runs are straightened to ensure lower airflow resistance and better performance.
Choose Gary’s for Complete Duct Installation and Repair Services
You may have a ductwork problem if you are experiencing:
- Uneven temperatures in different rooms
- High utility bills
- Poor indoor air quality
The professionals at Gary’s Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. can performance-test your HVAC system to identify hidden issues and determine the most cost effective solutions.