Installing ducts is an essential part of making the most of the natural movement of air. For instance, air returns, the large ducts that carry air back to the central unit, must be installed high on the wall of each upper floor to capture the hottest air and return it to cool. To ensure efficient heating, a return should be installed at a low point on the first floor to capture the cooled air and return it for heating. This calculation can be confusing, and we understand that.
The best option is to use an online calculator to determine the size of the ducts in your home. Generally, a room of 100 square feet or less requires at least one vent and two or three vents for a larger room. For example, a 12 × 12 foot room needs a 4 × 8 inch supply duct, which translates to approximately 144 CFM. However, this is just a “general rule” that tends to vary from home to home and from one HVAC system to another.
The safest approach is to let the HVAC contractor size the ducts. This way, you can be sure that you won't make any mistakes. When it comes to ducting, there are certain rules that must be followed in order to ensure optimal performance. It's important to understand these rules in order to get the most out of your HVAC system. Here are some key points to keep in mind when installing ducts:
- Air Returns: Air returns should be installed high on the wall of each upper floor in order to capture the hottest air and return it to cool.
Additionally, a return should be installed at a low point on the first floor in order to capture cooled air and return it for heating.
- Size Matters: The size of your ducts will depend on the size of your room. For example, a 12 × 12 foot room needs a 4 × 8 inch supply duct, which translates to approximately 144 CFM.
- Let Professionals Handle It: The safest approach is to let the HVAC contractor size the ducts. This way, you can be sure that you won't make any mistakes.
