How To Install Ductwork in Your Home
Installing ductwork into your home can be a labor intensive task. The installation is best done in a new home before the dry wall has been hung and while the wall and floor joists are still exposed. If you are attempting to install ducting into an already finished home, be prepared for a very extensive renovation that may require you ripping down walls.
We recommend that you hire an HVAC contractor who is an expert to do or assist you with the installation. An improper installation of ductwork can lead to high energy bills, unnecessary wear and tear on your HVAC system and costly renovations to repair the improperly done work.
The Layout
Ductwork is the highway of your HVAC system. The ducting is what allows the cool air to move through your home in the summer and the warm air in the winter. It is usually made of some type of metal that is insulated and sealed to prevent losses into the wall.
The first thing that your contractor is going to do is to layout your system by using computer software. Some contractors may still do it by hand, but it is generally easier and more efficient to use a computer. Good places to put vents and dampers can be included in this computer model as well.
Your professional will be able to determine the optimum layout based upon the size and configuration of your home. Once the layout is done, it’s time to begin hanging the ductwork.
Main Trunk Lines
Once your furnace or HVAC system has been installed, it is time to go to work installing the ducting. HVAC contractors will usually insist that the HVAC system be installed prior to the ducting as the ducting is highly dependent on the placement and configuration of the furnace. Trying to install ducting before the furnace is in can cause quite a few problems.
The main trunk lines are installed first. Think of this as the arteries of your system. They carry the main heavy flow of air from the furnace to the distribution points that will move it to other rooms in the home. These lines are usually installed in the basement with holes cut into them so that the other parts of the system can be connected to them.
Branch Ducts
Once the main trunk is hung, it is time to put on the branch ducts. These are the ones that will move through your walls and floors to bring your HVAC air into your rooms. Installation of these lines will require cutting through the subflooring (hopefully the floor isn’t installed yet). Your contractor will also rough in where your vents are going to be.
Main Air Return
Finally, the air return will be put into the system. This is where your HVAC system will draw the fresh air into it in order to heat or cool it then redistribute it through your home.
As you can see, installation of ductwork is a complicated and labor intensive process. If you are on the market for duct repair or installation, be sure to fill out our service form today. In just minutes you will have a free, custom quote from reputable HVAC contractors in your area, all without entering any contact information!
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