POOR DUCTING INSTALLATION: A BIG REASON FOR SIGNIFICANT INEFFICIENCY AND UNDER-PERFORMANCE

Proper ducting installation is paramount for an efficient HVAC system. The ducting system, responsible for maintaining indoor conditions and ventilation, can significantly impact usable space and system efficiency if not installed correctly.

As an experienced HVAC Commissioning & TAB professional, I’ve encountered recurring challenges in maintaining indoor air quality and ventilation in projects. Some observed issues include insufficient airflow, hot/cold spots, poor IAQ, unpleasant odours, suffocation, and equipment underperformance.

Contributing factors identified from the comprehensive analysis:

  • Unskilled workmanship
  • Poor supervision
  • Last-moment RCC layout changes
  • Access limitations due to aesthetic ceilings
  • Wrong duct pressure/leakage testing practices
  • Wrong control logic
  • Wrong ADP selection/locations
  • Following the wrong installation practices
  • Wrong airflow measuring practices
  • Wrong ducting material selection

To prevent future issues, address potential problems during construction.

Recommendations:

✅ Thoroughly inspect installation at various phases

✅ Follow standard duct installation practices

✅ Avoid last-minute RCC plan changes

✅ Mandate ducting pressure testing by a third-party team

✅ Mandate Air TAB (Testing, Adjusting & Balancing) by a competent third-party team

Owners/end users should consider descoping Commissioning and TAB from the Contractor’s scope. Onboard a competent third-party T & C/TAB team to ensure quality system handover.

 

Sharing images of poor duct installations observed in our various projects.

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