Ductwork and Ventilation Systems
Ductwork transports hot or cold air to and from your home heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) equipment. Clogged ducts can negatively affect indoor air quality and energy efficiency.
Advanced ducting system comes in a variety of materials and sizes. Most are insulated. Sheet metal ducts like galvanized steel and aluminum are easy to clean and least likely to harbor molds or other biological growth.
A duct system typically begins with an air handler that blows conditioned air into a series of ducts. The ducts are often made of flexible sections, which reduce vibration that could otherwise be transmitted to other parts of the building.
The ducts may have a metal mesh screen or insulation. The mesh protects the duct from debris that might be blown into it by the fan and can help keep the duct clean. Insulation keeps the conditioned air from being cooled too quickly and helps to save energy.
Air ducts should be regularly cleaned to keep them working efficiently. Dirty ducts can cause your AC unit to work harder to get the airflow it needs, and this will increase its energy use and lead to higher electricity bills for you.
Ducts transport conditioned air from the HVAC system into every room of the house. However, poorly designed or installed ducts can have serious consequences for energy costs, indoor comfort, and home safety.
Return leaks in the ductwork allow unconditioned outdoor air to enter your living spaces, which reduces your energy efficiency and increases your operating costs. In addition, the leakage can introduce unhealthy bacteria and mold1 into your home.
Ideally, all supply and return ducts should be located within your conditioned space, which reduces the potential for leaks. However, ducts that must be routed through uninsulated areas such as attics or garages require special sealing and insulation to minimize energy loss. In addition, ducts must be properly sized to match the capacity of your HVAC equipment. Oversized ducts will erode energy efficiency, while undersized ducts won't carry enough conditioned air to each room. Ducts can be made of sheet metal, fiberglass liners, or other materials.
Ventilation is the process of providing fresh air to a space and expelling stale, polluted air. This can be done naturally or mechanically. The type of ventilation system selected depends on the circumstances in which the space will be used. For example, a building located next to a gas station or an industrial facility may require that it be ventilated mechanically in order to prevent odors from migrating into the occupied area.
Rigid duct systems are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials. They are typically insulated and made of galvanized steel or aluminum. They are the ducts you see in action movies.
Fabric ducts are also available. They can be manufactured from either porous or non-porous material and are usually more durable than rigid ducts. They are designed to eliminate moisture buildup and can be treated with anti-microbial agents. They can be fitted with turning vanes at changes of direction in order to minimize turbulence and resistance to air flow.
Ductless systems offer a great alternative to traditional HVAC equipment that relies on interior and exterior units as well as a network of ductwork. These compact systems can heat and cool homes in Melbourne, Victoria.
Inside a ductless system, thin copper tubing pumps refrigerant through the house. The evaporator unit can be mounted on a wall, in the attic or in the basement. Its job is to pull warm air over coils containing the refrigerant, absorbing its heat energy. It's then transferred to the outside unit, where the refrigerant changes from a low-pressure gas to a high-pressure liquid, and its thermal heat is dissipated.
Some outdoor units can supply refrigerant to up to nine indoor evaporator heads (or zones), which function independently of each other. This allows each person to control their own room's temperature, and it can help resolve conflicting needs within a family. It's also ideal for converting an attic, garage or basement into living space.
