Air Flow Systems

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HVAC Air Flow System Design

Having a properly designed and installed HVAC air flow system is essential to keeping you building’s energy costs down. If you own or operate a commercial building that has an old inefficient air handler or HVAC air flow system you should consider retrofitting a new more energy efficient system. A qualified HVAC company can do an analysis of your space and help determine the most efficient system to install. Retrofitting a new HVAC air flow system can often pay for itself in energy savings over a short period of time.

HVAC Air Flow System Design and Installation

Here are some guidelines a company should follow when retrofitting an HVAC air flow system in your building:
• Incorporate a duct system layout on the building floor plan
• Account for joists, roof hips, fire-walls and other obstructions
• Size duct system according to ACCA Manual D
• Size HVAC equipment using ACCA Manual S procedures
• Perform room-by-room HVAC loads and air flow calculations using ACCA ...
... Manual J
• Install ducts and equipment according to manufacturers’ specifications to ensure the duct system is air tight
• Charge the system and verify charge with the evaporator superheat or subcooling method

HVAC Air Flow System Testing

Once installed your new air handler and HVAC air flow system should be tested to ensure they have been installed properly. Your HVAC team should test for:

• Proper sizing
• Leaks
• Air handler fan flow
• Plenum static pressures
• Room and return air flow

Ensuring Air Handlers are Airtight

Having air handlers that are installed airtight will help ensure you HVAC air flow system is efficient as possible. Here are some installation guidelines for that will help provide airtight duct installation:
• Use fittings, ducts and plenums made from duct board or galvanized metal
• Don’t use building cavities as a plenum or duct without a metal liner or sealed duct board
• Make sure the air handler box is air-tight
• Evaporator coils and air filters should be made easily accessible for cleaning and replacement
By following these guidelines for properly retrofitting a new air handler and HVAC air flow system you can increase the energy efficiency of your building and substantially lower your operational costs.
*Information on air handlers and HVAC air flow systems provided by the California Energy Commission.
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