Is it time to install HVAC ductwork in your home? Whether you’re building a new system or replacing your old ductwork at the 20-year mark, your comfort depends on your ducts.
Ducts are an integral part of your heating and cooling system. They transport the hot and cold air that keeps you comfortable. If your HVAC unit is the heart, think of them as its arteries and veins.
For many homeowners, any kind of HVAC installation is a daunting task, and you need to know what to expect. Read on to learn all about the HVAC duct installation process.
Start With a Plan
The first step in installing ductwork is the planning stage. They’ll create a layout of the ductwork in your home and map their connection points.
During this step, your technician will also need to work out the heat loss and gain in each room.
The technician can help you determine the ideal placement for exhaust vents, your air conditioner, and your furnace. Additionally, you’ll make a decision regarding the kind of ducts you’ll use. Most homeowners opt for sheet metal made of galvanized steel.
Create Duct Vents
To create your duct vents, your technician will need to cut holes in your drywall. The vents that transport hot or cold air from you’re AC unit or furnace are called supply vents, and vents that route air back to your HVAC unit are called return vents.
Depending on your home’s layout, these vents may be of different sizes in different rooms.
Getting the HVAC System Online
If you’re getting an entirely new system, the technician will install your furnace, condenser, and air handler after cutting the vents holes.
However, if you’re replacing your ducts, all of that will already be in place.
Installing the Ducts
With the HVAC system up and running, your ducts will have something to connect to. Now your technician will begin laying the actual ductwork.
During this step, they’ll take care to avoid bends, as they contribute to a less efficient HVAC system. If you’re replacing your ducts, your technician will attempt to retrofit your new ducts on workable older sections.
Once the ducts are laid, they’re connected to your HVAC unit.
Sealing the System
A poorly-sealed duct system is a waste of energy. If air escapes, your HVAC system will have to work harder to keep up with the demand.
In this final step, your technician will use mastic gum or metal-backed tape to seal any leakages.
HVAC Duct Installation Done Right
HVAC duct installation or replacement is a necessity in any home. Without proper heating and cooling, it’s impossible to live comfortably.
You need to ensure that your ducts are installed by a professional who knows the ins and outs of ductwork. After being in business for over 70 years, you can trust that the pros at Sewell Electric & HVAC know exactly what they’re doing. Reach out to them on their website if you have any questions or need to schedule an appointment.
