When you think of “HVAC” in your home, you probably picture the machines responsible for temperature control: the furnace and the air conditioner. But there’s another equally important, yet often overlooked, component in the mix: the ventilation. Read on for a few basics about ventilation’s main player in an HVAC system: ducts.
With the exception of older buildings (typically built before 1960) with no retrofits, most homes feature duct work to cycle air through as it gets warmed or cooled. Unless you use an alternate form of heating and cooling, ducts are essential to getting the air where it needs to go. They come in rigid, semi-rigid, and flexible forms; there are also insulated and non-insulated ducts, but insulated forms retain air temperature better to save energy.
In a split system, the most common type of central air setup, air goes between a coil indoors and a condenser outdoors. A blower will then pump the cool air into ducts throughout the house. The same ducts, in turn, conduct warm air from the furnace.
Though your home likely already has ducts, it’s important to inspect them if installing a new furnace or air conditioner (and sometimes even if doing repairs): ducts that are too small or too large relative to unit size may not efficiently transport air, and the location of existing ducts may also not be ideal for optimal temperature control.
Ducts also need to be properly sealed to avoid lost air—and, though it may seem obvious, one of the most important ways to ensure ducts complete their job is to keep a clear pathway around vents, free of furniture or other obstructions.
Whether you’re considering an entirely new HVAC system or wondering if your existing one can be repaired, ventilation can play a crucial role in your decision. Contact us at Dalorem Heating & A/C for an expert opinion on your best options for HVAC comfort today!