Maximizing Efficiency with Ductwork Installation Tips

Ductwork is an essential part of an efficient, comfortable and healthy home. However, it is often overlooked and neglected. When most homeowners consider their HVAC systems, they tend to focus on the large pieces of equipment, such as air conditioners, furnaces, and heat pumps. 

Because of this, ductwork installation is often seen as a relatively simple and low-skilled job. However, ductwork should be taken much more seriously as it can have a significant impact on the performance of your home's air conditioning system. Let's explore what ductwork is, why it's important, and how to install it for optimal energy efficiency.

What is ductwork and why is it important?

Ductwork is an integral part of your HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system. It consists of a network of ducts (or flexible tubes) that work together to move air from one side of your home to the other to maintain the health and comfort of your home.

Yes, appliances like air conditioners and furnaces are essential - but they don't work by themselves. Consider this: 

✅ In order to breathe, you need your lungs, but you also need the rest of the body's respiratory network to move that oxygen around your body. Without this network, that air has nowhere to go. 

✅The ductwork in your home is that network. It's the transportation system for your home's warm, cool, and clean air.

Read more: Exploring the Basics of HVAC Ductwork

Installing Ductwork: 5 Tips for Maximum Efficiency

Designing and installing ductwork is a combination of art and science. You have to ensure that the system is inconspicuous or integrated into the overall design of your home, and you have to ensure that it works efficiently. Here are some tips to help you get there.

Make sure there are as few gaps as possible

All ductwork must be sealed with duct mastic or duct tape. However, ductwork with sealed gaps is not designed for long-term performance.  Joint sealants degrade over time, and properly installed ductwork should not be damaged by gaps.

Avoid Installing Ductwork in Unconditioned Spaces

Ductwork should never be installed in an unconditioned space. This is because even if the ductwork is insulated, it usually has a low R-value and continuously loses energy to the unconditioned space.

If ductwork must be installed in a crawl space or attic, try to bring these areas into a conditioned space. If this is not possible, construct a well-insulated run around your ductwork. This will reduce the amount of energy lost to the ductwork and help keep the rooms it serves at a comfortable temperature.

Strategic placement of cold air returns

Another factor that affects efficiency and health is the location of the cold air return of the duct system. Commonly, cold air returns are located in frame openings, but this is not always the best option. These areas are difficult to clean and can easily become a breeding ground for dust and microbes.

Framing chases also have gaps and openings that allow air to be drawn in. Using framing chases as a cold air return reduces the efficiency of the air being drawn in from the correct locations. A properly installed ductwork system cold air return will address these issues and ensure efficient operation and excellent air quality.

Entrust your ductwork design to computer modeling software

Ductwork should be modeled using computer software prior to installation to ensure that each room in your home receives the proper amount of supply and return air. This system should follow fluid dynamics principles, with radius turns and as few curves and obstructions as possible. This is where specialized computer software can help.

Find your contractor

Our last piece of advice is to hire a professional. If you want your ductwork to run as efficiently as possible, you need someone you can trust. Make sure you do your research and vet your contractors. You want someone who knows what they're doing when it comes to duct work.

Want to design or remodel your home's ductwork for maximum efficiency? There's no better team in Philadelphia to work with than AC COMFORT HVAC LLC. Our company uses the best construction practices as well as top-of-the-line equipment and materials, and that's where we continue to excel today.