When you are installing a new high-efficiency HVAC system in your North Carolina home, your ductwork design may not be the first thing on your mind. But in order to ensure maximum comfort throughout your house, it is essential that you have professional planning and expert ductwork installation.

The ductwork is responsible for distributing the air throughout the house so that a consistent temperature is felt everywhere. When the design is flawed, air is unable to reach its destination and is wasted in areas like the attic or basement. It can create warm or cold patches around your house, forcing you to turn up your air system. This creates lower efficiency and higher energy bills.  

One common problem that stems from poor ductwork design is zoning.  This occurs when air being pumped from the supply duct is unable to properly flow through the house to the return duct. The air pressure in the room rises and the conditioned air will eventually be pushed outside of the house because it has nowhere else to go.  

Over by the return duct the opposite is happening. Because the air is not circulating there, the air pressure will drop. This actually causes air from outside of the house to seep in and alter the temperature. Your ductwork has now created two different temperature zones and neither are where you set your thermostat.  

The installation of your ductwork is even more important than the duct design. A good plan means nothing if it is not executed properly. Much of the ductwork will be inaccessible after being installed because it is in the walls or floors so repairing leaks is nearly impossible. A reliable contractor needs to work with established ductwork guidelines to make sure that no problems will occur shortly after the install.  

If you have more questions about how your ductwork design can affect your HVAC system’s efficiency, or any questions about your heating and cooling, contact Stewart’s Heating and Air today.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information, click here to download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Stewart’s Heating and Air Conditioning services the Triangle area of North Carolina. To get started, check out our website.