In Alberta, industrial facilities, commercial buildings, schools, healthcare facilities and more all rely on HVAC to keep their occupants comfortable and healthy even in the most extreme weather conditions. Due to this, heating and cooling can make up a large chunk of a building’s monthly utility bills. The more energy is lost in the process, the higher those costs get. Mitigating energy loss is an important component of keeping your budget in good form and your energy use as efficient as possible.
Keep it Sealed
Maintaining a sealed system is vital to reducing energy loss in all HVAC applications. To do this, insulation installers must focus on the areas in the system that are most susceptible to leakage. Ductwork is the number one culprit. These pieces of equipment transport heated or cooled air all throughout the building. Along the way, that air can leak out or change temperature before it reaches its destination. When this happens, the HVAC system must work harder, drawing more energy as it attempts to make up for the unintended thermal transfer. Preventing this is as simple as ensuring the ductwork is properly sealed upon installation as well as insulated.
Duct-Specific Insulation
Ducts are typically made out of sheet metal or fiberglass, usually built in rectangular prisms forming a veritable highway of air flow. Insulating these metallic shafts will require different methods than building envelope components like walls. There are three main types of duct insulation.
-
- Liners. This type of insulation is great for sound absorption as well as thermal protection. Liners are elastomeric foam installed inside ductwork during the fabrication process.
-
- Wraps. Instead of lining the ducts, wraps encase the outside of them. These are particularly helpful in cases where ductwork has already been installed and needs to be retrofitted with insulation.
-
- Double Wall. The above insulation methods are implemented in single wall systems. A double wall system involves two ducts: an outer and an inner one. The inner duct is wrapped in insulation and then encased by the outer duct. This system is the most energy efficient as it provides an extra layer of protection. That being said, the need for extra sheet metal can make it a more expensive option.
Final Thoughts
As with all aspects of insulation design, mechanical insulation requires a customized approach to ensure that the least amount of energy is being wasted. Installers must take into account the working conditions of the system, as well as the maintenance and modifications slated for the lifespan of said system. For example, supply and return ducts in unconditioned or exposed areas will need more insulation. Additionally, renovations and new builds demand different insulation treatments altogether.
Reducing the amount of energy loss produced by your HVAC system typically does not require intensive upgrades. In most cases, proper seals and suitable insulation are cost-effective, highly efficient solutions for buildings of all types. If you would like to reduce the energy consumption of the HVAC in your Calgary-based facility, contact our team of experts today to request a quote and get started!
