If you are planning on purchasing and installing a ducted air conditioner in your home, you should ensure that you have reliable ductwork to handle the distribution of air. Under ideal circumstances, you should install new ductwork because your old channels might not meet the needs of the new appliance. Here are some simple tips to help you design and install the right ducts in your home for optimal cooling and energy efficiency.
Choose the Correct Sizing
You should select the correct duct size for your air conditioning applications. If the chosen ducts are too small, they will not be able to handle the amount of cooled air distributed by the appliance. On the other hand, if the ducts are too large, the flow of air will be compromised. Your interior space might not be optimally cooled. For the best results, you should discuss the correct sizing with your HVAC contractors based on the chosen AC, cooling needs and type of home.
Manage the Length of Runs
When planning for the installation of the ductwork, you should ensure that the length of the runs is managed. In general, it is advisable to avoid using very long runs in your home. If the duct run is too long, the cooled air will become warmer during its flow. Also, the force of the air will be greatly reduced. If you are planning on using your old ductwork, you should think about restructuring so that your air will flow to the interior space directly.
Minimise Sharp Corners
You should also plan for smoother transitions when installing ductwork around corners. It is advisable to avoid incorporating a sharp bend in the channels. Typically, if there is a sharp bend, the air will hit the corner when flowing. As a result, the cooled air will lose the original momentum, and the amount of air which will reach the interior space will be greatly reduced. You should discuss an installation design with your contractor that emphasises on smooth bends for optimal results.
Prevent Leakages
Finally, you should take into account the possibility of air leakages when designing and installing your air conditioning ducts. It is important to ensure that the ductwork is sealed because the loss of cooled air will compromise indoor climate control and decrease energy efficiency in your home. Also, you should ensure that the ducts are properly insulated, especially if they are made of metal. Heat exchange across the ducting walls will interfere with the performance of your new air conditioner.
If you have recently moved into a property which has an HVAC system installed, it may seem like a bit of a mystery to you. However, this doesn't have to be the case. If you take the time to do a little bit of research into how the system is constructed and how to operates, you will be able to ensure that it is supplying you with air which is at just the right temperature. If any problems develop you will be able to diagnose them. My brother who is an HVAC contractor has given me some top tips which I would like to share with you.