When installing AC ductwork in Winnipeg, homeowners and businesspersons tend to make life-threatening errors that result in inefficiency, wastage of energy, and indoor air quality problems.
Your ductwork is responsible for providing cool air throughout your property, so it must be installed in the correct way to provide maximum performance.
If you’re installing a new system or replacing your duct system, it will be worth it in the long term to avoid these most common errors, saving you time, money, and aggravation. Let’s discuss the most common errors and how not to fall prey.
1. Poor Duct Design and Plan
One of the largest installation errors in AC ductwork is poor planning of the duct system layout. A lot of people think that nearly any duct system will do as long as it can be attached to the AC unit, but that is not the case.
Solution: Always hire a professional HVAC technician to design a duct system that suits your building design. The ducts must be installed correctly to provide equal air pressure and prevent hot and cold spots.
2. Using the Wrong Duct Size
Duct sizing is also another very important aspect that defines the amount of air that flows in your room. Over-sizeness of ducts constricts the airflow, and the AC gets strained, and that translates to increased energy usage and even breaking down of the unit. Weak airflow is caused by over-sized ducts, resulting in stale and odor-prone rooms.
Solution: Do a precise load calculation prior to installing the ducts. A skilled HVAC professional is able to determine the proper duct size according to your AC unit’s cooling capacity and the square footage of your home or company.
3. Not Properly Insulating
Winnipeg has extreme temperatures, and therefore insulation is required to prevent wastage of energy. Insufficient or improper ductwork insulation can lead to huge losses of energy as the cold air gets preheated before reaching the rooms. This makes your AC system work for extended hours and with extra effort, thus consuming high energy.
Solution: Seal duct joints with better material like fiberglass or foam board to stop heat loss as well as condensation buildup. Sealing ducts in non-heated or cooled spaces, such as attics and basements, is particularly important.
4. Inadequate Sealing of Duct Joints
Leaky ducts are one of the main causes of energy losses in residential and commercial buildings. Small leaks in the joints can result in losing as much as 30% air, hence wasting energy and paying a higher bill on the utility cost.
Solution: Sealed all seams and fittings with good quality sealers like aluminum tape or mastic sealant. Avoid the use of conventional duct tape since it will flake off with time.
5. Too Sharp Turns and Bends on Installation
Too many sharp turns and bends in the duct system are the cause of airflow resistance, reducing the efficiency of your cooling system. This implies there is inadequate cooling and increased pressure on your AC unit.
Solution: Install ducts as straight as possible. When turns cannot be avoided, use smooth curves instead of sharp turns to allow even air flow.
6. Ducts Put in Ineffective Locations
Some have ducts put in ineffective locations, including where heaters are (attics, outside walls, or sun spaces). It results in temperature fluctuation and makes it challenging for the AC to function.
Solution: Install ducts in confined and insulated areas where temperature change is minimal. Install vents such that cooling performance is optimized.
7. Ignoring Airflow Balance and Vent Location
Another common mistake is failing to balance airflow. When air is fed to some vents at a greater rate compared to others, it results in uneven temperatures across different spaces.
Solution: Balance dampers and registers to control airflow in your office or home. A professional can optimize the system for balanced cooling distribution.
8. Failure to leave a professional inspection
Most homeowners attempt DIY AC ductwork installation in Winnipeg in order to cut costs. This, however, leads to ineffective energy consumption as well as repair costs.
Solution: Make a professional HVAC technician inspect and install your ductwork. A certified tech will identify any issues and have your system up and running at optimal performance levels.
9. Failing Regular Maintenance and Cleaning
Even properly sized ductwork must be maintained from time to time to function at peak efficiency. Dust, dirt, and mold accumulation can cause airflow restriction and indoor air quality compromise.
Solution: Install regular cleaning and maintenance to avoid clogging and maintain your duct system at optimal levels. Regular replacement of air filters to ensure clean airflow.
10. Failure to Plan for Future HVAC Replacement
If you’re putting in new ductwork, make sure to plan for future upgrading or expanding your HVAC system. You might end up having some homeowners putting in ducts very well-tailored to their current AC system but not for future upgrades.
Solution: Have the HVAC expert design a duct system flexible for future upgrading or expanding your cooling capacity.
Conclusion:
By avoiding these mistakes in the installation of AC ducts in Winnipeg, higher efficiency, increased comfort, and reduced energy consumption can be anticipated. Whether this is a new installation or a replacement of an old system, performance longevity will depend on planning and expertise.
If you require professional AC ductwork installation in Winnipeg, leave it to The Perfect Mechanical Solutions. Call us today for a consultation and enjoy the warmth of a snug, energy-efficient house or office.
