HVAC Design Mythbusting #LIVE

Alex Meaney from MiTek/Wrightsoft joins us at AHR 2020 to talk about some HVAC design myths and how to bust them in your mind. It was a really fun talk with a great guy.

One common HVAC design myth worth busting is that we can use a set friction rate with a Ductulator to make duct systems work. The friction rate only applies per 100 feet, and it has different degrees of impact based on duct sizing and fan speeds. We CANNOT guarantee that a system will work if we subtract losses to filters, coils, and grilles until we reach a set friction rate (usually 0.1 or 0.8). We experience most of our pressure losses at the fittings, which the friction rate doesn't account for.

To prevent some of these myths, we can move away from manual math and start using more software. However, we have to know what our numbers exactly are and what the performance conditions are. For example, filters can show a static pressure drop rating of 0.1, but that WILL change depending on the CFM.

Velocity is a confusing area for techs because we have face velocity and duct velocity. Face velocity refers to the speed of air at the register whereas duct velocity refers to the air speed within the duct. These can get a bit complicated when you throw dampers in, but duct velocity doesn't have that much of an impact on the face velocity; the register has a much greater effect on face velocity than a damper in the middle of a duct.

Alex and Bryan also discuss:

• Starting off by learning the wrong thing
• 12,000 BTUs per ton
• Radial duct systems
• What really is “static pressure?”
• Oversizing ductwork
• Creating vs. relieving friction
• Manual D
• Ideal velocity
• Variable-speed technology
• Efficiency vs. moisture removal
• Sensible heat ratio (SHR) and Manual S
• Latent loads