duct design

[lurch12]

Hey im looking for away to leran how to become a better installer. I am a service guy and have been for 10 years. But suck at designing a hvac system. I have a pretty good idea on air flow but just starting a rough in or design i suck. I have done some installs but never from the begining. Where can i get better training or help.

[building solutions]

Lurch12
I applaud your eagerness to improve your skills. First of all, I suggest you become profficient in room by room load calculations. The industry standard is ACCA Manual J. Buy the book and the software. I recommend Elite. Then learn how to use the load to select your equipment, covered in Manual S. Next, use Manual D to learn the process of professional duct design. Once you have the principles in your head, you can go back to Elite and use the ductsize tool to perfect the process. Along the way you will want to study Manual T for terminal selection.

It all starts with ACCA. You can buy all the Manuals in a set and save a few dollars. Good luck and maintain your passion for excellence.

[ACFIXR]

One way to start learning...............

1. Go look at what other people are doing. Go to subdivisions, new commercial buildings etc. Wherever someone is putting in some duct or a unit. Go look. Take some pictures. Look at every home, building whatever. After a few thousand surveys () you will start to see trends in installation practices that were implemented through the years.
Learn what is acceptable.
Learn what is considered "hackery"
Learn what craftsmanship looks like.
The more you look the more you will "learn" what to learn.

2. Talk, then talk to anyone who will listen to you.

Good luck, you can do it. I did.

[lurch12]

Cool ill just keep reading and looking

[Gib's Son]

For duct sizing I would suggest SMACNA HVAC Systems Duct Design Manual, then get yourself a ductulator.

Remember, it's not the size of the duct that determines the CFM of the unit, it's total external static pressure. Do the calculations to determine the total external pressure drop, with a wet coil, and verify against mfr.s fan curves. Follow good design practices to ensure velocity in ducts are per industry standards, and above, and you will master it know time. Sizing ducts is stone simple.

I would caution against reviewing what's out there as a guide. Way too many systems are poorly designed.

[genduct]

Hey im looking for away to leran how to become a better installer. I am a service guy and have been for 10 years. But suck at designing a hvac system. I have a pretty good idea on air flow but just starting a rough in or design i suck. I have done some installs but never from the begining. Where can i get better training or help.

Like Gibby said, it's about pressure not velocity. Just remember that the fan "sucks and blows" so if there is too much suck then there won't be enough for the blow. Of course we could start a riot and talk about high or low return registers but for now let's stick to the fundamentals.
You can use my contact info that includes a cell # if you want to talk a little more

[-80guru]

In Houston be very careful about looking at new subdivision installs, be very very careful.

[lurch12]

hey sorry its a late response been busy at work. its that time of year thanks for the ideas. Im always up for ideas and learning thanks again

[lurch12]

Oh ya one more thing i do service so i agree 100% about proper design. i just want to learn how on my own and have the ideas.