Ductwork installation is a major investment and a complex process that requires many considerations. If a new duct system isn’t installed correctly, it can affect how your entire HVAC system operates. This can result in reduced comfort, poor indoor air quality, and higher energy bills. Such concerns can be avoided when the following aspects of ductwork replacement and installation are considered:
- Proper Sizing
- Design vs. Efficiency
- Proper Installation
- Number of Return Ducts
- Balancing
- Insulate Your Ducts/span>
- Sealing
- Cost
1. Proper Sizing
Each duct should be sized based on the capacity of your HVAC unit, the size of your home, and the room it serves. If too small, an air duct can’t carry enough air to maintain a comfortable temperature. The high resistance reduces airflow and can cause your ducts to be noisy. However, ducts that are too large won’t distribute air effectively. They can cause your heating and cooling system to be inefficient, increasing energy costs.
2. Design vs. Efficiency
Aside from size, the design of your ductwork impacts efficiency and how well your heating and cooling system works. Poorly designed ducts can cause issues with airflow and temperature control. Hiring a design professional for ductwork installation can avoid these problems and ensure your investment is worthwhile.
The following aspects of ductwork design are important during this phase:
- Configuration: Common ductwork configurations include trunk-and-branch designs that use one large duct from where smaller supply and return branch ducts attach. With a radial design, the HVAC unit is centered and the supply and return ducts radiate outward. A contractor will choose a ductwork configuration that is proven effective for your type of home.
- Location: Ductwork consists of many components. Using enclosed walls or raised floors for air distribution is inefficient. Ducts must be used throughout the system; whenever possible, install them only in conditioned spaces or a lot of heat energy will be lost.
- Routing: In addition to routing ducts through conditioned spaces, they should also be run in straight paths whenever possible. This reduces airflow resistance (tight turns and corners can reduce airflow rates).
- Duct Length: Longer duct runs tend to have a greater pressure drop. Therefore, choose ducts that are within the shortest distance possible from the HVAC unit to the rooms they lead to.
- Number of Pieces: Use as few duct elements as possible to minimize the number of connection points from where air can leak. Also, install return grilles on each floor. Smaller air grilles in rooms with registers help maximize air distribution.
3. Proper Installation
An experienced ductwork installation contractor ensures every step goes smoothly and there are no airflow issues, air leakage, or safety concerns such as carbon monoxide leaks from a vent or malfunctioning furnace. Improper installation can also affect air distribution due to uneven air pressure. This may lead to an exchange between indoor and outdoor air, increasing utility bills and straining your heating and cooling system.
4. Number of Return Ducts
Supply ducts deliver conditioned air to different parts of your home. However, they’re not the only consideration in terms of configuring your ductwork. You also need enough return ducts to move air back to the HVAC unit. The general rule is to have at least one return duct for each room; even areas such as hallways should have return air grilles.
5. Balancing
Every room should have a supply register and a return register, with air having a route from one to the other. The design of your duct system should also account for the supply and return flow having the same capacity. Therefore, the airflow is balanced, meaning as much air is delivered to your home as is routed back to your HVAC system. Otherwise, a pressure imbalance can lead to air leaks in ducts and exterior walls.
6. Insulate Your Ducts
Sealing seams on straight duct runs with foil tape provide insulation. Ducts in unconditioned areas should be well-insulated, but even air ducts in conditioned spaces can benefit. The temperature of the air is maintained as it reaches more distant registers. Some common ductwork insulation options include the following:
- Rolled Insulation: Wraps around the duct and is sealed with a long strip of foil tape.
- Preformed Pipe Insulation: Protects ducts that are hard to access on all sides.
- Flexible Duct Insulation: If adding insulation to pre-insulated flex ducts, straighten the duct as much as possible, wrap the insulation around the existing material, and secure it with tape.
7. Sealing
Sealing air ducts starts with tightly sealing all duct joints. This should be done during ductwork replacement and installation to maximize efficiency. Joints can be sealed with mastic and fiberglass mesh or aluminum tape. Or, they can be mechanically fastened with screws, anchors, and other methods.
Duct connections at registers and grilles should also be mechanically fastened. A professional should do this during annual inspections, as these connections can loosen over time. Joints at elbow-duct connections should be sealed with duct mastic applied with a paintbrush.
8. Cost
According to Angi, ductwork replacement can cost up to $5,000 for an average-sized home. Some installations cost less and others can go much higher. The size of your house, the type of ductwork material, and the complexity of the project are just some factors that determine the project’s overall cost. The location of the ducts, replacing drywall, adding vents, and obtaining permits are other considerations.
Ductwork installation isn’t the most budget-friendly home improvement project. However, you can save by first getting a quote from your local HVAC contractor. You can also bundle the project with other services and choose energy-efficient options such as insulated ducts.
Contact Monarch Home Services
Our NATE- and EPA-certified technicians assist with ductwork installation throughout Central California. We can include a duct system with AC replacement or install indoor air quality solutions in existing ductwork. The solutions we offer improve comfort, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality while protecting the environment. Financing options are available. To request a free ductwork replacement estimate, call (661) 215-6428 today.