Ductwork Problems and HVAC
One of the most interesting things commercial business owners can view is how mechanical engineers design ductwork and how fabricators use those designs to create ductwork for HVAC systems.
The more complex part of ductwork design is how sheet metal fabricators use design instructions and specified materials to create commercial ductwork. Most facility and plant managers take for granted the complexities involved in fabricating ductwork for HVAC systems. Fabricators need to know specific ductwork dimensions, configurations and placement of ductwork in commercial buildings.
Heating and Cooling Problems Relate to Ductwork
Sheet metal fabricators are detail oriented individuals and know matching size, location, fabrication materials and HVAC specifications is crucial to avoiding heating and cooling problems.
Another important feature of ductwork fabrication is proper insulation. Today’s ductwork is comprised of galvanized mild steel and lined with fiberglass duct wrap. In some cases, ductwork may be fabricated from aluminum.
There are several types of ductwork available for HVAC systems. These include:
Sheet metal
Duct board
Flexible
How Ductwork Causes Heating and Cooling Problems
Improper ductwork design or materials can cause heating and cooling problems. Ductwork is a system whereby heated or cooled air is passed through to output vents. In HVAC systems there is an input and output vent that allows air to circulate freely from the HVAC operating system through ductwork to vents.
Humidity in areas like San Jose can impact the operating efficiency of ductwork. As humid air passes through ductwork, it tends to cling to duct walls. Tiny microscopic dust particles cling to the moist duct walls and buildup of particulate narrows the free passage of heated or cooled air through the HVAC system.
Reduction in Ductwork Efficiency
Another problem that affects ductwork in commercial businesses is when input and output vents become blocked by boxes, equipment, furniture or dust. This reduces the free flow of air through ducting systems and, by association, reduces air circulation throughout the entire commercial building.
Ductwork Leakage
Another possible cause of heating and cooling failure is leaking ducts. Leaking ducts may be caused by older, existing ductwork that no longer meets the output specifications which results in small leaks in ductwork connections. Look for leaks wherever there is a connection between ductwork sections and connections to the HVAC system.
Expert Ductwork Service
Choose expert sheet metal fabricators for installation of ductwork in your new building. Ductwork fabricators also retro fit ductwork for existing systems for greater efficiency and reliability.