Identifying Air Conditioning ProblemsIdentifying Air Conditioning Problems

One of the main challenges that homeowners who are considering using in-slab ducts for their air conditioning system have to deal with is figuring out to shield the ducts from the weight of the overlying layers of concrete. This is an important part of installation since collapse of the ducts could expose an air conditioner to restricted airflow complications such us evaporator coil frosting that may then lead to reduced air conditioner efficiency. If you are considering using in-slab duct systems in your home, you will find the following installation tips useful.

Use reinforcements

When laying down the ducts, make sure that you reinforce the area around the ducts. Use steel structures to cover the ducts in such a way that they shoulder them from the weight of the overlying concrete. Doing so will help to protect the walls from collapse and will thus increase the lifespan of your duct system while also protecting your air conditioner from the negative effects of restricted airflow.

Tie down the ducts

When the air ducts are not tied in place, they may end up floating when you pour the concrete. The difference in concrete settling rates and mixture ratios could lead to different parts of the air duct system floating to varying degrees. The unevenness that results from this floating can cause the ducts to disconnect at connection points. The resulting misalignment could also end up causing blockages that may then restrict the rate of airflow through the entire air conditioning system.

Tying the air ducts in place before concrete pour is recommended. This is because the fasteners used will hold the ducts in place, helping them withstand the pressure of poured concrete. This will then prevent the uneven flotation, something that will then keep the ducts from tearing apart or getting misaligned.

Use thinner slab pours

When dealing with the area surrounding your duct system, it's always advisable to use thin pours. This is mainly because the use of thick pours doesn't usually give the concrete enough time to set and harden. This reduces the ability of the concrete layer to support itself and usually leads to the concrete laying all its weight onto the ducts. This may then cause partial and sometimes even total collapse of the ducts of your air conditioning system.

To reduce the chances of collapse, use several thin pours when working on the area surrounding the air ducts. Make sure that enough time passes between each pour so as to allow for better settling and hardening. Doing so will help reduce the burden that the walls of your duct system have to bear and will therefore protect your system from collapse.

For more information, contact JV Systems Air Conditioning And Heating of Tampa Bay Inc or a similar company.