When building a new home, it’s important to include sizing ducts in the process of installing the heating and cooling system. If your contractor neglects to include it in the process, failing to have that one calculation performed will cost you.
Consider the alternative: Before you have your new system installed, include duct sizing on the installation checklist, and you’ll maximize your investment and ensure a comfortable, energy-efficient home for years to come.
Your system will only perform as well as your ductwork allows. No matter how efficiently your system has the potential to operate, if your ducts are not the right size, your system’s performance will diminish accordingly.
That’s why it’s important that your HVAC installer perform a sizing calculation for the ducts, along with sizing the equipment and installing it correctly. Following the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute (HRAI) of Canada’s duct sizing methodology should include:
- Room by room calculation – The heating and cooling load of each room must first be determined so your contractor can then select materials and pipes that can deliver the necessary air to each room.
- Duct materials – Hard metal is often used, but flexible duct material can be a viable option and may reduce noise factors.
- Design – Your ducts can utilize several “branches” extending out from your air handler, or one large “trunk” with several branches extending off of it. In short, the best system is one that uses the shortest duct runs, and there are a variety of configurations from which to choose.
- Air handler – Selecting the right air handler is critical, because the system must be able to meet the room-by-room calculations. A variable-speed air handler delivers air at a lower but continuous speed, where a single-speed system delivers air at a consistent, full speed. Sizing ducts correctly will help your contractor determine your specific needs.
Don’t underestimate the importance of sizing ducts. With expert help from Arpi’s Industries, you can ensure that your new system will meet your expectations. We’ve been serving Calgary area homeowners for almost 50 years.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about sizing ducts and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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