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Today homeowners are in the market for smarter, more efficient heating and cooling systems. With the added rebate incentives from BC Hydro, new home heating and cooling systems are more affordable than ever.

Air source heat pumps out perform other forms of heating such as propane, oil, electric baseboard and electric forced air and natural modern HVAC units in terms of energy consumption, environmental impact, and comfort. This is primarily due to the fact that heat pumps  do not create heat by burning fossil fuel or by heating elements, they merely transfer heat from one area to another.

How an Air Source Heat Pump Works

An air source heat pump  works on the principle of heat transfer. This means that a hot or cool air is being circulated from one place to another. Typically, air is moved from a lower temperature area to an area of higher temperature. For example, in the winter months, a heat pump is taking the heat from outside (lower temperature) and moving it inside (higher temperature). A heat pump system is run 100% off of electricity therefore does not generate any heat from fuel. This operational principle allows for efficient heating and cooling at a significantly lower energy cost.

An air source heat pump (ASHP) 9(DUCTED) distributes conditioned air using a fan and an air duct system. There are also ductless heat pumps (DHP) that do not require ducting and are best suited for open spaces.

Difference Between Supply Air and Return Air

The difference between supply air and return air is simply the direction of the air flow. Supply air is conditioned air from your ASHP that moves through the ductwork into your room. This air is coming from your air handler and supplying your room clean, comfortable air.

On the other hand, return air is the air being circulated out or returned from conditioned space back to air handling unit to be re-conditioned and recirculated again to your room through the return vents, and carried to your air handler to be filtered, and conditioned by the air handler. Air must circulate evenly within your conditioned space. An imbalance between the supply air and return air is likely to cause you discomfort.

No Need to Worry: 5 Quick Steps to Install Air Ducts for Your Heat Pump

Air ducts aid air flow from your indoor unit, (often called an air handler) to your entire home. Proper installation of ducts is critical for efficient air circulation through your home to provide you with optimum comfort. Properly sized and installed ductwork also adds to the longevity of the equipment.

Installation of air ducts should be done by a qualified professional who has a sound understanding of air distribution, system design, and is keen to ensure your air HVAC (heating ventilating and air conditioning)system functions appropriately.

Here is a quick overview of the process of air ducts installation:

Step 1: Design and Planning

The preparation phase is the most critical. It involves mapping out the plan of your system and covers aspects like:

• the location of the supply and returns vents
• understanding how it will condition each room
• understanding your existing system, and utilizing the ductwork that is already installed where possible

Step 2: Installing the Plenum

The plenum is the core of your system’s operation. This is where air collects straight from your unit, and the main trunk lines also stem from it.

Step 3: Installing the Main Trunk Line

The trunk line is crucial and is regarded as the ‘spinal column’ of your air source heat pump system. They are the main channels of air distribution and extend the entire length of your structure.

Step 4: Installing Branch Runs

The branch runs are equated to limbs or branches of your system. They allow air supply from the main trunk line into specific rooms and spaces in your home.

Make sure to use the correct joints depending on the material and shape of duct pipes.

Step 5: Installing Returns

If you only pumped air into a room without letting out an equivalent volume of air, then your previous hard work is reduced to almost naught. Therefore, it is prudent to set up return vents and pipes that channel the excess air out, which, in turn, allows proper air circulation.

The number of return vents your home will need, and the best place to install them will depend on the set up of your home and the places where the air is likely to collect.

Save Yourself the Hassle 

Needless to say, it is tedious work to get your air ducts installed by yourself. Whether it is a new home for your loved ones, an extra room, or renovating your home, it is heavy lifting and even harder if you don’t have a professional hand or an expert team behind you.

The costs and risks far outweigh the benefits. Book an estimate at Coastal Heat Pumps we are more than happy to offer professional assistance. Our team will rest at nothing short of the comfort of your home and we stand behind our comfort guarantee.