When it comes to your HVAC system, ductwork is important for maintaining comfort in your home and minimizing your energy bills. Mistakes like this during installation are more common than you think. These mistakes can have long-lasting effects on efficiency and indoor air quality. Whether you are installing a new system or replacing existing ducts, avoiding errors will help you get more out of your investment.
1. Poor Duct Design
One of the most significant mistakes happens before ductwork installation even begins, and it is poor design. Ductwork is not a one-size-fits-all solution; it needs to be properly sized to meet the heating and cooling demands of your home. Undersized ducts restrict airflow, forcing your HVAC system to work harder. Oversized ducts can make it difficult to maintain consistent temperatures in your living space.
Proper design considers factors like room size, distance from the air handler, and the insulation in your home. Skipping these calculations or relying on guesswork often leads to uneven heating and cooling.
2. Excessive Bends and Long Runs
Airflow efficiency depends heavily on the path your ducts take. Every unnecessary bend or overly long run adds resistance, which reduces the efficiency of your system. In some cases, installers choose the easiest path for the ductwork rather than the most efficient. This will lead to wasted energy and poor comfort in certain rooms of your home. The goal is to keep duct runs as straight as possible. When bends are unavoidable, gradual turns will help to maintain airflow in your home.
3. Leaky Connections
Even the best-designed duct system will underperform if the connections are not properly sealed. Gaps and loose joints allow conditioned air to escape before it reaches its destination. This forces your system to run longer and makes it harder to maintain your desired temperature. This issue can pull in dust from attics or wall cavities, which will reduce your indoor air quality. Using mastic sealant or high-quality metal tape is essential for creating airtight connections.
4. Using the Wrong Materials
Choosing the wrong material will shorten the lifespan of your system. Flexible ducts are simple to install, but stretching the material can restrict the airflow in your system. Rigid ducts are much more durable but are more difficult to install.
5. Poor Insulation
In climates with extreme temperatures, ducts need proper insulation to prevent energy loss. Without it, cooled air in the summer and heated air in the winter can lose their temperature as they travel through unconditioned spaces. This results in inconsistent comfort and higher energy bills. Insulating your ducts also helps prevent condensation. This can cause mold growth, which creates a serious issue for both your home and your health.
6. Ignoring Sizing for Registers and Grilles
Your registers and grilles may seem like a small detail, but they play a big role in airflow distribution. If they are too small, they’ll restrict airflow. If they are too large, air may not circulate properly. It’s important to match the size and placement of registers and grilles to the duct layout to maintain balanced airflow.
7. Skipping System Testing
Once the ductwork installation is complete, testing will ensure it’s performing as intended. Unfortunately, some installers skip this step entirely, which leaves you with hidden problems like leaks or airflow imbalances. Your installer should perform pressure tests, measure airflow at each register, and inspect for leaks after installation. These tests help identify and correct issues before they cause bigger problems.
8. Ignoring Future Maintenance Access
Your ductwork will need occasional inspections, cleaning, and repairs, so accessibility is important. If ducts are in hard-to-reach places without access points, maintenance becomes more difficult. Installation includes placing access panels for future maintenance work.
9. Not Considering Zoning Options
Most modern systems offer zoning as an option so that you can split up your living space into multiple areas. Each zone will have separate temperature controls, making this an ideal option for larger homes or families with individuals who prefer different temperatures. Ignoring zoning can limit comfort because one thermostat may not be able to accurately control the temperature throughout your living space.
Trust G. R. Freeman Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. for Expert Ductwork Installation
At G. R. Freeman Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc., we have been providing efficient, reliable HVAC systems with precision ductwork installation in Evansville since 1977. Contact us today to schedule your next ductwork service and experience the quality that comes from over four decades of expertise.
