Learning The Basics of Proper HVAC Ductwork Installation

Hey! My name is Jay and I live in Brisbane, Australia and I have decided to start this blog so I can raise awareness of the importance of industry and manufacturing. I am not a professional who works in this sector but my dad was the manager of a manufacturing plant for many years. When I was growing up, I would often visit him and see the men working on the machines below. It was a wonderful sight. Even though I didn't enter into the same profession as my dad, I have developed a keen interested in the sector. I hope you enjoy my blog.

Learning The Basics of Proper HVAC Ductwork Installation

24 January 2022
 Categories: Industrial & Manufacturing, Blog


Ducted air conditioning comes with several benefits. The whole-home solution, ease of control, seamless look, zoning flexibility, quieter operation, and aesthetics are some of the many reasons to consider a ducted HVAC system. As the name implies, ducted systems rely on a network of ducts that carry the heated or cooled air to different areas of your residential or commercial building. Therefore, proper installation of your ducts is the key to getting the most out of your ducted HVAC system. Poorly installed ductwork usually comes with inefficiencies in your system's operation, costly losses of conditioned air, and poor indoor quality, among other issues. Therefore, here are some fundamentals of effective HVAC ductwork installation to help you get the most out of your system.

Proper Sizing

Proper sizing is crucial when installing a ducted HVAC system. That's because if you choose ductwork that's too small, it won't carry enough conditioned air throughout your building. On the other hand, ductwork that's too large for your building can result in energy and air loss, causing system inefficiencies. What's more, large ductwork will naturally cost you more, so choosing ducts that are too big for your building is only a waste of your money. However, proper ductwork sizing isn't always straightforward. And it entails more than just determining the square metres of the area you intend to cool or heat. Usually, a comprehensive load calculation is needed to determine your building's air conditioning needs. Therefore, it's usually best to have an HVAC professional calculate the air conditioning requirements for the different zones you need to condition.

Sufficient Returns

Return ducts are some of the highly overlooked components in HVAC ductwork installation. However, return air is equally important in the functioning of your HVAC system. That's because while you want the conditioned air supplied throughout your building, it's also imperative that the untreated air inside goes back to the central unit for heating or cooling. And this circulation has to happen correctly to keep you feeling comfortable. Therefore, ensure you have enough return ducts to avoid issues like stuffy or muggy air, unbalanced air pressure, and poor airflow, among other issues. Your system will also struggle to cool or heat if there aren't sufficient return ducts, resulting in energy inefficiencies.

Proper Sealing

Sealing your HVAC ductwork properly is also crucial during installation. Proper sealing prevents air leaks in your ducts, reducing energy inefficiencies. Generally, a lot can be done regarding HVAC ductwork sealing. For instance, ensure all sections of your ductwork fit together snugly without leaving loose segments or gaps. In addition, use metal or mastic tape to seal your connections.

Contact a company that offers HVAC ductwork installation services to learn more.