Commercial properties typically have larger physical areas than residences. This is why commercial properties generally require higher-end HVAC systems. Furthermore commercial buildings require larger duct systems. They play major roles in building energy efficiency.
Uninsulated ducts can also cause some other issues for your property, driving higher repair and maintenance costs. If you are the owner of commercial property and want to know more about ways to improve the energy efficiency of your building’s envelope, read on. This article provides a deeper look at the four major advantages of the insulation of ducts.
1. More Energy Efficiency
A duct system is able to deliver hot and cold air to various rooms in your house. In certain instances, ducts are routed through parts of the building that are climate controlled. In other situations the installation contractors direct ducts through areas that aren’t conditioned. This technique lets designers maximise the useable space while also hiding unsightly ducts.
Ducts that run through areas that are not conditioned in an building are a frequent source of energy inefficiencyparticularly if the are not insulated. The more difference in temperature between inside and exterior of the duct the more energy loss you will suffer. The duct functions as an unintentional heat exchanger, which reduces the effectiveness of the conditioned air.
The duct insulation that is not conditioned reduces the loss of energy. Hot air remains hotter and cold air remains colder when it is en route to rooms in your home. This means that you can expect to see substantial savings in your energy bills.
2. Much less HVAC Wear as well as Tear
The reduction in efficiency caused by the ducts that are not insulated affects more than you bottom line. The air that settles in the rooms in your building also loses the majority of its cooling. It’s not as cold, or hot as it was intended to be. In the end, your HVAC equipment has to work overtime to make up for the gap.
The longer run times will increase the amount of wear that your furnace and air conditioner endure. Failure of components, overheating and burnouts could result. If you don’t you’ll be paying more for maintenance. Insulating your ducts can allow you to benefit the most out of your HVAC system, while reducing the strain upon the unit.
3. Lower risk of mold
The difference in temperature between the outside and inside of a duct without insulation typically leads to an increase in water content. Problems with moisture can be particularly difficult during winter. As hot air moves through the system, cold air flowing on the opposite part of the conduit triggers some in the water-vapor in the air to condense.
Condensate from this type of condensate could cause severe water damage if the issue persists for too long. Additionally, it provides an ideal environment for mildew and mold. The growth of mold colonies is a good thing in the air that flows through the ducts can carry spores to the rooms in the building. Asthma, allergies, and various health issues could result.
Insulating your ducts can cut down on condensation by restricting heat transfer. The dryer your ducts are more likely you will be afflicted by mildew and mold issues.
4. Better Noise Control
Metal ducts can be unintentionally echo chambers. The rigid walls and the empty interiors permit the sound waves to bounce around the rooms in your home. The sounds generated from your HVAC system can be heard in rooms that are on the other end of your building. Insulating your ducts significantly reduces the sound transmission.
When choosing your insulation take note of the sound transmission coefficientor STC rating, which is short for. The STC rating reflects the degree to which a specific material is able to block sound waves. A higher score indicates better ability to block unwanted sounds.