BICOL UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
A.Y. 2015-2016

DESIGN, INSTALLATION, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

OF AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM OF BUCENG GYMNASIUM

Submitted by:
JOHN PAUL M. MAYOR
BSME-5A

Submitted to:
ENGR. EDUARDO BORROMEO, PME
Professor

OCTOBER 9, 2015
BUCENG GYMNASIUM
Bicol University College of Engineering
Legazpi City, Albay
Building Characteristics:
13.14o North Latitude

1. Location (based on Legazpi City):

23.73o East Longitude

2. Type of Structure: Medium with Insulation and surrounded by
other structures, Concrete
3. Type of Glass: Single Glass with no shading (Attached on each
side of wall)
Sizes:

Length= 30 m.
Width= 1 m.

4. Operation Time: 10 hours

5. Occupancy= 1200 + (0.10 x 1200)= 1320 persons
6. Occupancy type: Meeting and Waiting Spaces (Table 4-1, Ref. and
Air Conditioning by Stoecker & Jones)

BUCENG GYMNASIUM DIMENSIONS

Length:
Width:
Height:

51.412 m
32 m
6.6 m (wall), 4.5 m (roofing)

Total Area:

1648 m2

Area to be cooled:

1536 m2

Note:
Construction of the Gymnasium is totally closed.

Entrance is facing northeast.

Summer Air Condition

Outside:
Dry Bulb Temperature= 34 oC
Relative Humidity= 55%
Humidity Ratio= 0.0185 (from Psychrometric chart @ 34 oC & 55%
RH)
Inside:
Dry Bulb Temperature= 23 oC
Relative Humidity= 45%
Humidity Ratio= 0.008 (from Psychrometric chart @ 23 oC & 45% RH)

COOLING LOAD CALCULATIONS

EXTERNAL LOADS
1. HEAT LOSS OR HEAT GAIN BY THERMAL TRANSMISSION:
Q1 = t/Rtot = U A (to-ti)
WALLS:
For Rtot: Use Table 4-4
Outside air film

0.029

m2

Siding, asbestos-cement, 6 mm, lapped

0.04

m2

Concrete block, sand & gravel aggregate, 200 mm

0.18

m2

K/W
K/W
K/W
Slab
Siding, asbestos-cement, 6 mm, lapped
K/W

3.35 m2 K/W
0.04

m2

Cement Plaster, 16 mm

0.066

K/W
Inside air film

0.120 m2 K/W
Rtot = 3.825 m2 K/W

Uwall =1/Rtot
=1/3.825 m2 K/W
Uwall =0.2614 W/ m2 K

Front
A= 275.2 m2, (32 m x 8.6 m)
Qfront = (0.2614 W/ m2 K)x(275.2 m2)x(34oC-23 oC)
Qfront = 791.31 W

Back
A= 275.2 m2, (32 m x 8.6 m)
Qback = (0.2614 W/ m2 K)x(275.2 m2)x(34 oC-23 oC)
Qback = 791.31 W

Right
A= 339.32 m2, (51.412 m x 6.6 m) 30 m2 (area of glass)
A=309.32 m2
Qright= (0.2614 W/ m2 K)x(309.32 m2)x(34 oC-23 oC)
Qright= 889.42 W

Left
A= 339.32 m2, (51.412 m x 6.6 m) 30 m2 (area of glass)
A= 309.32 m2
Qleft= (0.2614 W/ m2 K)x(309.32 m2)x(34 oC-23 oC)
Qleft= 889.42 W

ROOF:
For Rtot: Use Table 4-4

m2

0.06 m2 K/W

Built-up roofing, 10mm

Steel, backed with insulating board, 10mm 0.32 m2 K/W

Rtot = 0.38 m2 K/W
U =1/Rtot
=1/0.38 m2 K/W
U =2.6316 W/ m2 K
A= 1661.4150 m2, (32.3157 m x 51.412 m)
Qroof = (2.6316 W/ m2 K)x(1661.4150 m2)x(34 oC-23 oC)
Qroof = 48093.98 W
Q1 = Qfront + Qback + Qright + Qleft + Qroof
= 791.31 W + 791.31 W + 889.42 W + 889.42 W + 48093.98 W
Q1 = 51 455.44 W

2. SENSIBLE

HEAT

LOAD

DUE

TO

INFILTRATION

AND/OR

VENTILATION
Vr =

VoVm
E

Vm = 2.5 liters/sec per person, minimum outdoor air rate for specified
occupancy (Table 4-1, Stoecker and Jones) Non smoking
Vo = 3.5 liters/sec per person (Table 4-1, Stoecker and Jones) Non
smoking
3.52.5
Vr =
0.80
Vr = 1.25 liters/sec per person
V = (1.25 + 2.5) liters/sec per person
V = 3.75 liters/sec per person

Supply Outside Air

Qis = 1.23 Vm (to-ti)

Qis = 1.23 x (2.5 L/s) x (34 oC-23 oC)
Qis = 33.83 W

Recirculated Air
Qis= 1.23 Vr (ti - ts)
Qis= 1.23 x (1.25 L/s) x (34 oC-23 oC)
Qis= 16.91 W

Q2 = Qis
Q2 = (33.83 + 16.91) W
Q2 = 50.74 W

3. LATENT HEAT DUE TO INFILTRATION

Supply Outside Air
QiL = 3000 Vm (Wo-Wi)
QiL = 3000 x (2.5 L/s) x (0.0185 - 0.008)
Q3 = 78.75 W
Recirculated Air
QiL= 3000 Vr (Wo-Wi)
QiL= 3000 x (1.25 L/s) x (0.0185 - 0.008)
QiL= 39.38 W

Q3 = QiL
Q3 = (78.75 + 39.38) W

Q3 = 118.13 W

INTERNAL LOADS
4. INTERNAL HEAT GAIN FROM LAMPS
Q4 = (LR) (Fu) (Fb) (CLF)L
where: LR = 150 W
Fu = 1
Fb = 1.2
For (CLF)L, Use Table 4-6
No. of hours after lights are turned on:
8 hours

0.82

Q4 = (150W) x (1) x (1.2) x (0.82)

Q4 = 147.6 W

5. OCCUPANT SENSIBLE COOLING LOAD

Q5 = (G/P)s (Np) (CLF)p
For (G/P)s, Use Table 4-7
Seated, quiet

100 W

Np = 1320 persons
For (CLF)p, Use Table 4-9
Hours after each entry into space
5
Q5 = (100W) x (1320) x (0.77)
Q5 = 101 640 W

10 hours in space
0.77

6. OCCUPANT LATENT COOLING LOAD

Q6 = QPL = (G/P)L Np
Np = 1320 persons
(G/P)L = 100W
Q6 = (100W) x (1320)
Q6 = 132 000 W

7. SOLAR LOAD THROUGH TRANSPARENT SURFACES (GLASS)

Q7 = Qsg = U A (to-ti)
For U, Use Table 4-4
(Summer) Single Glass

5.9 W/ m2 K

Left
A= 30 m2, (30 m x 1 m)
Qleft =(5.9 W/ m2 K) x (30 m2) x (34oC-23oC)
Qleft =1947 W

Right
A= 30 m2, (30 m x 1 m)
Qright = (5.9 W/ m2 K) x (30 m2) x (34oC-23oC)
Qright = 1947 W

Q7 = Qleft + Qright
Q7 = 1947 W + 1947 W
Q7 = 3 894 W

8. SOLAR ENERGY PASSING THROUGH WINDOW

Q8 = (SHGFmax) (SC) (A)

Left
For (SHGFmax), Use Table 4-10
SW
May, July

480 W/m2

For SC, Use Table 4-11

Single glass (Regular Sheet)

1.00

A= 30 m2, (30 m x 1 m)
Qleft = (480 W/m2) x (1.00) x (30 m2)
Qleft = 14400 W

Right
For (SHGFmax), Use Table 4-10
NW
May, July

530 W/m2

SC = 1.00
A= 30 m2, (30 m x 1 m)
Qright = (530 W/m2) x (1.00) x (30 m2)
Qright = 15900 W
Q8 = Qleft + Qright
Q8 = 14400 W + 15900 W
Q8 = 30 300 W
Qtotal = Q1 + Q2 + Q3 + Q4 + Q5 + Q6 + Q7 + Q8
= 51 455.44 W + 50.74 W + 118.13 W + 147.6 W + 101 640 W + 132
000 W +
3 894 W + 30 300W
Qtotal = 319 605.91 W
Qtotal = 319 605.91 W x (1 kW/1000 W) x (1 TOR/ 3.516 kW)
Qtotal = 90.90 TOR
RECOMMENDATION
Use 2 Units of 50 TOR capacity Air Handling unit

Duct Sizing and Computations

Calculation for Mass Flow Rate of Air
QS = Cpa (ms) (to ti)
QL = hv (ms) (wo wi)
QT = QS + QL
QS = Cpa(ms) (to ti) + hv (ms) (wo wi)
QT = ms[(Cpa(to ti) + hv (wo wi)]
kj / sec
319.606 kw

1kwatt

ms
1.0062 34 23 2442 0.0185 - 0.008
kg
m s 8.71
sec

Where:

Cpa= specific heat of air = 1.0062

to = outside temperature = 34
ti= inside temperature = 23

hv = 2442

kJ
kg K

kJ
kg

ma = mass flow of air

wo = outside humidity ratio = 0.0185

wi = inside humidity ratio = 0.008

kgvapor
kgda

kgvapor
kgda

Supply air of 50 TOR air handling unit

176 kj/s
1.0062 35 24 2442 0.0159 0.0105
kg
m s 7.256
sec
ms

Volume Flow Rate

m
Q

where:

= density of air
= 1.2 kg/m3

m = mass flow rate of air entering the gymnasium (50 TOR Air
Handling Unit)
Q = volume flow rate of circulated air, m3/sec
Q=m/
Q = (7.256kg/sec)/ (1.2kg/m3)
Q = 8.707 m3/sec (60sec/min)
Q = 522.42 m3/min
Total volume flow rate = 522.42 m3/min

DUCT SIZING CALCULATIONS

Side and area can be calculated from Q = AV

For every section, cooling air is distributed equally. Volume flow rate
(Q) of each section is equal to the volume flow rate output of the AHU
divided by the number of ducting grill which is 8:
Q

Section

=Q

AHU

/number of ducting grill

= (522.42 m3/min)/8
Q

Section

= 65.3025 m3/min

Each AHU can distribute equal amount of cooled air on every ducting. Hence,
AHU 1 calculations will be the same with AHU 2 because of the symmetrical
design of the ducting of the AC system of the Gymnasium. AHU 1 dimensions
will satisfy also with the AHU 2s. For calculations of duct dimensions:
Q= AV

Where:
Q = Volume flow rate
V = for comfort cooling let the velocity of air in each ducting outlet
= (8 m/sec)(60sec/1min)= 480m/min
A = inside Area of the Ducting

DUCT SIZE
Main Duct coming from AHU
Duct type

Rectangular Duct

Velocity of air
Maximum height

8 m/s
0.4 m or 400 mm

From AHU-1 to 1
A0-1= Q0-1/V
Where:

Q= 8.707 m3/sec
V= 8 m/sec
A= L x h

A0-1= (8.707 m3/sec)/ (8 m/sec)

A0-1= 1.088 m2

Divide area with 0.4 m (maximum height of duct) for the length
L0-1= (1.088 m2)/(0.4 m)
L0-1= 2.72 m
A0-1= 400 mm x 2720 mm

Note:
From Section 1, there will be divergence of ducting into two separate air
passages. Sections 1-2, 2-3, and 3-4 will be diverging to the center ceiling of
the gymnasium, while Sections 1-5, 5-6, 6-7, 7-8, and 8-9 are placed near the
walls.
At this instance, the total volume flow rate will be divided into number
of sections each diverging ways has. Thirds of the total volume rate will be
delivered at the middle while the remaining of the air flows straight to the
section 1-5 and so on.

Volume Flow Rate of Sections 1-4 = (8.707m3/sec) (0.625*8.707)

= 3.27 m3/sec
Volume Flow Rate of Sections 1-5, 5-9 = (8.707m3/sec) (0.375*8.707)
= 5.44 m3/sec

Section 1 to 2
A1-2= Q1-2/V
Where:

Q = 3.27 m3/sec
V = 8 m/sec

A= L x h
A1-2= (3.27 m3/sec)/(8 m/sec)
A1-2=0.4088 m2
Divide area with 0.4 m (maximum height of duct) for the length
L1-2= (0.4088 m2)/(0.4 m)
L1-2 =0.8176 m
A1-2 =400 mm x 1.022 mm

Section 2 to 3

Note:
Sections through 1-4 is decreasing by a thirds of the delivered flow rate
which is 3.27 m3/sec.
A2-3= Q1-2/V
Where:

Q =(3.27 1.09) m3/sec

=2.18 m3/sec
V =8 m/sec
A=Lxh

A2-3= (2.18 m3/sec)/(8 m/sec)

A2-3=0.2725 m2
Divide area with 0.4 m (maximum height of duct) for the length
L2-3= (0.2725 m2)/(0.4 m)
L2-3 =0.681 m
A2-3= 400 mm x 681 mm

Section 3 to 4
A3-4= Q3-4/V
Where:

Q= (2.18 1.09) m3/sec

= 1.09 m3/sec
V= 8 m/sec
A= L x h
A3-4= (1.09 m3/sec)/(8 m/sec)
A3-4=0.136 m2
Divide area with 0.4 m (maximum height of duct) for the length
L3-4= (0.136 m2)/(0.4 m)
L3-4 = 0.34 m
A3-4 =400 mm x 340 mm
Note:
Sections through 1-4 is decreasing by a fifths of the delivered flow rate which
is 5.44 m3/sec.

Section 1 to 5
A1-5= Q1-5/V
Where:

Q= 5.44 m3/sec
V= 8 m/sec
A= L x h

A1-5= (5.44 m3/sec)/(8 m/sec)

A1-5=0.68 m2
Divide area with 0.4 m (maximum height of duct) for the length
L1-5= (0.68 m2)/(0.4 m)
L1-5 =1.7 m
A1-5 = 400 mm x 1700 mm

Section 5 to 6
A5-6= Q5-6/V

Where:

Q= (5.44 1.088) m3/sec

= 4.352 m3/sec
V= 8 m/sec
A= L x h

A5-6= (4.352 m3/sec)/(8 m/sec)

A5-6=0.544 m2
Divide area with 0.4 m (maximum height of duct) for the length
L5-6= (0.544 m2)/(0.4 m)
L5-6 =1.36 m
A5-6 = 400 mm x 1360 mm

Section 6 to 7
A6-7= Q6-7/V
Where:

Q= (4.352 1.088) m3/sec

= 3.264 m3/sec
V= 8 m/sec
A= L x h

A6-7 = (3.264 m3/sec)/(8 m/sec)

A6-7 =0.408 m2
Divide area with 0.4 m (maximum height of duct) for the length
L6-7 = (0.408 m2)/(0.4 m)
L6-7 =1.02 m
A6-7 = 400 mm x 1020 mm

Section 7 to 8
A7-8 = Q7-8/V

Where:

Q= (3.264 1.088) m3/sec

= 2.176 m3/sec
V= 8 m/sec
A= L x h

A7-8= (2.176 m3/sec)/(8 m/sec)

A7-8=0.272 m2
Divide area with 0.4 m (maximum height of duct) for the length
L7-8= (0.272 m2)/(0.4 m)
L7-8 = 0.68 m
A7-8 = 400 mm x 680 mm

Section 8 to 9
A8-9 = Q8-9/V
Where:

Q = (2.176 1.088) m3/sec

= 1.088 m3/sec
V = 8 m/sec
A=Lxh

A8-9 = (1.088 m3/sec)/(8 m/sec)

A8-9 =0.136 m2
Divide area with 0.4 m (maximum height of duct) for the length
L8-9 = (0.136 m2)/(0.4 m)
L8-9 = 0.34 m
A8-9 = 400 mm x 340 mm

Branches
Branches are the same in sizes and length.
Duct type

Square Duct

Velocity of air

8 m/s

Abranch= Qbranch x Velocity of Air

Abranch = Qbranch/V
=

65.3025

m3
x 1min /60 s
min
8 m/ s

Abranch = 0.136 m2
Sbranch= 0.369 m = 370 mm x 370 mm

PRESSURE DROP IN A RECTANGULAR DUCT FLOW

L
D eq
V
P= f x (
)
2

( 2)

From AHU-1 to 1
V = 8 m/s
C = 2ab/a+b, where: a= 0.4 m, b= 2.720 m
Deq = 2(0.4)(2.720)/(0.4+2.720) = 0.6974 m
0.25

f=

[log (

f= 0.016

1
5.74
+
)]
3.7 x 626667 362472.082

8
0.6974
8
P= 0.016(
1.248)
2

( 2)
P= 7.33 Pa

From 1 to 2
V = 8 m/s
C = 2ab/a+b, where: a= 0.4 m, b= 1.022 m
Deq = 2(0.4)(1.022)/(0.4+1.022) = 0.575 m
0.25
f=

1
5.74
[log (
+
)]
3.7 x 626667 362472.082

f= 0.016
8
0.575
8
P= 0.016(
1.248)
2

( 2)
P= 8.89 Pa

From 2 to 3
V = 8 m/s
Deq = 2ab/a+b, where: a= 0.4 m, b= 0.681 m
Deq = 2(0.4)(0.681)/(0.4+0.681) = 0.504 m
0.25

f=

[log (

1
5.74
+
)]
3.7 x 626667 362472.082

f= 0.016
8
0.504
8
P= 0.016(
1.248)
2

( 2)
P=

10.14 Pa

From 3 to 4
V = 8 m/s
Deq = 2ab/a+b, where: a= 0.4 m, b= 0.340 m
Deq = 2(0.4)(0.340)/(0.4+0.340) = 0.368 m
0.25
f=

[log (

f= 0.016

2
1
5.74
+
)]
3.7 x 626667 362472.082

8
0.368
8
P= 0.016(
1.248)
2

( 2)
P= 13.9 Pa

From 1 to 5
V = 8 m/s
Deq = 2ab/a+b, where: a= 0.4 m, b= 1.70 m
Deq = 2(0.4)(1.70)/(0.4+1.70) = 0.648 m
0.25
f=

1
5.74
[log (
+
)]
3.7 x 626667 362472.082

f= 0.016
8
0.648
8
P= 0.016(
1.248)
2

( 2)
P= 7.89 Pa

From 5 to 6
V = 8 m/s
Deq = 2ab/a+b, where: a= 0.4 m, b= 1.36 m
Deq = 2(0.4)(1.36)/(0.4+1.36) = 0.618 m
0.25

f=

[log (

1
5.74
+
)]
3.7 x 626667 362472.082

f= 0.016
8
0.618
8
P= 0.016(
1.248)
2

( 2)
P= 8.27 Pa

From 6 to 7
V = 8 m/s
Deq = 2ab/a+b, where: a= 0.4 m, b= 1.02 m
Deq = 2(0.4)(1.02)/(0.4+1.02) = 0.575 m
0.25
f=

[log (

2
1
5.74
+
)]
3.7 x 626667 362472.082

f= 0.016
8
0.575
8
P= 0.016(
1.248)
2

( 2)
P= 8.90 Pa

From 7 to 8
V = 8 m/s
Deq = 2ab/a+b, where: a= 0.4 m, b= 0.680 m
Deq = 2(0.4)(0.680)/(0.4+0.680) = 0.504 m
0.25

f=

1
5.74
[log (
+
)]
3.7 x 626667 362472.082

f= 0.016
8
0.504
8
P= 0.016(
1.248)
2

( 2)
P= 10.14 Pa

From 8 to 9
V = 8 m/s
Deq = 2ab/a+b, where: a= 0.4 m, b= 0.340 m
Deq = 2(0.4)(0.340)/(0.4+0.340) = 0.368 m
0.25
f=

[log (

2
1
5.74
+
)]
3.7 x 626667 362472.082

f= 0.016
8
0.368
8
P= 0.016(
1.248)
2

( 2)

 P= 13.90 Pa

PRESSURE DROP ACROSS A CONVERGING OR DIVERGING NOZZLES

P

= [(V12 x )/2] x [(An/Am)2 1]

where:
V1 = 8 m/s
A0-1= 1.088 m2
A1-2=0.4088 m2
A2-3=0.2725 m2
A3-4=0.136 m2
A1-5=0.68 m2
A5-6=0.544 m2
A6-7 =0.408 m2
A7-8=0.272 m2
A8-9 =0.136 m2
Abranch = 0.136 m2

From Section AHU-1 to 1

P

From Section 1 to 2
P

= (((8)2 x 1.248)/2) x ((1.088/0.4088)2 1) = 242.94 Pa

= (((8)2 x 1.248)/2) x ((0.4088/0.2725)2 1) = 49.94 Pa

From Section 2 to 3
P

= (((8)2 x 1.248)/2) x ((0.2725 /0.136)2 1) = 120.40 Pa

From Section 1 to 5
P

From Section 5 to 6
P

= (((8)2 x 1.248)/2) x ((0.68 /0.544)2 1) = 22.47 Pa

From Section 6 to 7
P

= (((8)2 x 1.248)/2) x ((1.088/0.68)2 1) = 62.30 Pa

= (((8)2 x 1.248)/2) x ((0.544 /0.408)2 1) = 31.06 Pa

From Section 7 to 8
P

= (((8)2 x 1.248)/2) x ((0.408 /0.272)2 1) = 49.92 Pa

PRESSURE DROP ON BRANCH TAKE OFF

Ploss = ((Vb2 x )/2) x (GF)
where:
Vb = 8 m/s
Values of GF p.115 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning by
Stoecker and Jones, 2nd edition.
GF = (f) x (Vb/Vd, )
GF = 0.016 x 1.5
GF = 0.024

Ploss = ((82 x 1.248)/2) x (0.024)

Ploss = 0.958 Pa

Summary
AHU (1) is equal as AHU (2)
Section

Size
H x W (mm)

AHU-1

400 mm x 2720
mm

Flow of air in
duct
Q(m3/sec)
8.707 m3/sec
3.27 m3/sec

1-2

400 mm x 340 mm

2-3

400 mm x 1.022 2.18 m3/sec

LENGTH
(m)
2.72 m

Pressure
drop
(pa)
7.33 Pa

0.8176
m

8.89 Pa

0.681 m

10.14 Pa

0.34 m

13.9 Pa

mm
3-4

400 mm x 1700 1.09 m3/sec

mm

1-5

400 mm x 1360
mm

5.44 m3/sec

1.7 m

7.89 Pa

5-6

400 mm x 1020
mm

4.352 m3/sec

1.36 m

8.27 Pa

6-7

400 mm x 680 mm

3.264 m3/sec

1.02 m

8.90 Pa

7-8

400 mm x 340 mm

2.176 m3/sec

0.68 m

10.14 Pa

8-9

370 mm x 370 mm

1.088 m3/sec

0.34 m

13.90 Pa

400 mm x 2720
mm

8.707 m3/sec

0.369 m

0.958 Pa

branche
s

Inspectors' Guide to Flexible HVAC Duct Installation

Costs of poorly installed ducts
In a low-pressure, forced-air HVAC system, the goal is to move the air
effectively and efficiently.

Effectiveness is measured by occupant comfort and by maintaining

reasonably consistent temperature, humidity and pressure throughout
the house.

Efficiency is measured by total operating cost, which includes costs for

utilities, maintenance and replacement at the end of the equipment's
design life.

Like any other listed construction product, flex duct should be installed
according to the terms of its listing and according to manufacturer's
instructions. The following guidelines apply to most flexible duct systems.
1. Avoid bending flex duct across or around framing members, pipes and
other objects. Such bends can decrease the size of the duct at the bend
point, restricting airflow and increasing air friction. Over time, the duct inner
core can continue to collapse at the bend point further restricting airflow.
This is a common installation error.
2. Avoid bending flex duct so that the radius at the centerline is less than
one duct diameter. Such bends also restrict airflow and increase air friction.
This is another common installation error.
3. Run flex duct through spaces at least as large as the diameter of the duct
inner core. While this might seem a statement of the obvious, compressing
flex ducts is a common installation error. The ducts are often compressed to
fit into small spaces, such as chases running between floors and the area

between truss webs and truss braces in floors and attics. This installation
error is also frequently found when ducts are run between different areas,
such as between a garage attic and the attic over the conditioned area.
Minor compression of the duct is acceptable so long as the inner core is not
compressed.
4. Support flex duct horizontally at intervals of not more than 5 feet and
vertically at intervals of not more than 6 feet. The maximum amount of sag
between supports is 1/2 inch per foot of horizontal run. Support plenums and
distribution junctions independently of the flex duct. Support straps or other
support material should be at least 1 1/2 inches wide. Support by lumber is
usually acceptable.
5. Avoid using flex duct to support other flex duct or construction materials
such as wires or coolant lines. Over time, the weight of these materials can
constrict the duct inner core.
6. Extend flex duct to its full length. Excess duct material in a run should be
less than 5 percent. Excess material increases air friction.
7. Run flex duct out of plenums, distribution junctions and boots at least 12
inches before making a bend in the duct. Tight bends near plenums also
increase air friction and decrease duct size.
8. Provide air space on all sides of flex duct when the duct runs through
unconditioned spaces such as attics and crawlspaces. Avoid fully or partially
covering flex duct with insulation. This is more important in humid climates
than in dryer climates. Moisture can condense on flex duct that does not
have adequate airflow around it. This moisture can damage surrounding
materials and can contribute to fungal growth.

9. Provide clearance between flex duct and furnace or water heater vent
flues as required by the flue type. Flex duct is considered to be combustible
material in terms of clearance to combustion appliances flues.
10. Avoid running flex duct over steam pipes and similar heat sources.
11. Install flex duct at least 4 inches above ground level and above the
design flood elevation. Do not install flex duct in tile, metal pipe or within
masonry or concrete.
12. Avoid installing flex duct where it will be subjected to direct sunlight,
such as under turbine vents. Sunlight can degrade the vapor barrier.
13. Attach flex ducts at plenums and distribution junctions to sheet metal
collars that are at least 2 inches long. Use metal sleeves at least 4 inches
long to splice two lengths of flex duct. Make joints substantially airtight. Use
at least two wraps of approved metal tape to attach the duct inner core at
collars and distribution junctions. A clamp is recommended, though not
always required. Use both tape and clamps to splice two lengths of flex duct.
14. Repair tears in the vapor barrier using recommended material.
15.

Install fireblocking where flex duct penetrates floor and ceiling

assemblies, and where it penetrates concealed connections between vertical

and horizontal spaces such as soffits and other dropped ceilings. Unfaced
batt mineral wool or fiberglass insulation is usually acceptable fireblocking
material.
16. Avoid installing flex duct that penetrates a fire-rated assembly unless
approved by the authority having jurisdiction. This includes flex duct
connected to boots located in a garage.

17. Protect flex duct from damage by sharp objects such as truss gusset
plates, attic furnace support straps and nails. These objects can puncture the
duct.
18. Protect flex duct from moisture during and after construction. Once it
becomes wet, flex duct insulation can remain wet for years, providing a
breeding ground for fungal growth.
19. Protect duct boots, particularly floor ducts, from contamination during
and after construction.
Finding and describing installation errors
How does an inspector decide what warrants being reported as an
installation error in need of repair or evaluation by an expert? In the absence
of a measurable guideline (such as the one-duct diameter bend guideline),
each inspector must make a common sense determination based on the
HVAC system(s) in the home. Here are some common installation errors, and
some suggestions for when to call for expert evaluation and/or repair.
Evaluate and/or repair:
1. Trunk supply ducts (those that serve more than one branch duct) and
central return ducts that bend across an obstruction or a support at more
than a 45-degree angle. These ducts are often constricted, and those that
make a vertical bend over an obstruction may become more constricted over
time.
2.

Trunk supply ducts and central return ducts whose inner core is

constricted in size by more than about 20 percent. Somewhat more

constriction may be reasonable for a duct serving a single boot because only
one boot is affected.

3.

Duct bends that do not comply with the one duct diameter bend

guideline.
4. Ducts that run horizontally out of a plenum or into a boot.
5. Ducts that are loose at a collar or do not have a metal sleeve at a splice.
6. Ducts with a punctured inner core.
7. Ducts in direct contact with a heat-generating appliance vent.
8. Ducts that leak a "significant" amount of conditioned air at a plenum
collar or at a splice or junction.
9. Ducts that touch the ground and ducts buried in insulation if there is
evidence of condensation on or near the duct.
10. Ducts that breach a fire-rated assembly unless the local authority having
jurisdiction accepts the practice.
11. Ducts that have wet insulation from sources such as rain or plumbing
leaks.

TESTING AND BALANCING

Each air duct system should be tested, adjusted, and balanced.
Detailed procedures are given in Chapter 36 of the 1999 ASHRAE Handbook
Applications. To properly determine fan total (or static) pressure from field
measurements taking into account fan system effect, refer to the section on
Fan-System Interface. Equation (38) allows direct comparison of system
resistance to design calculations and/or fan performance data. It is important
that the system effect magnitudes be known prior to testing. If necessary,
use Equation (18) to calculate fan static pressure knowing fan total pressure
[Equation (38)]. For TAB calculation procedures of numerous fan/system
configurations encountered in the field, refer to AMCA Publication 203 (AMCA
1990b).