Ductwork installation

Q: How should I arrange the heating ducts as I convert an unfinished basement space into a couple of bedrooms? Right now the heating ducts are up at the ceiling. Should I extend them down to floor level? Do I need to bother installing return cold air ducts, too? Here…

<p><em>This Old House</em> plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner insulate his HVAC ductwork.</p>

Professional engineer Mark Jussaume describes eight concepts to keep in mind when designing ductwork to increase efficiency and comfort. Strategies include planning for filtration, positioning outlets according to climate, and installing dampers in branch ducts rather than supply grilles.

Flex duct. It’s ubiquitous now in homes with forced air heating and cooling systems. It’s easy to install. It’s cheap. The installer can show up and rough in a whole duct system without ever having seen the house before and…

Our best projects, hints and tips for budget-conscious homeowners.

All photos: courtesy U.S. Dept. of EnergyOn most projects, HVAC flexible ductwork is located in designated chases that maximize the efficiency of the airflow. But the path for...

PEX expands and contracts with changes in temperature, which causes the pipes to move back and forth. Several years of even the slightest movement can wear a hole in PEX pipes, especially if they're rubbing against something abrasive. You can protect your pipe with abrasion clips, cover the pipe with inexpensive pipe insulation, or enclose it with a larger pipe. Pipes that are encased in concrete (for in-floor heating, for example) are OK because the concrete holds them in place. And pipes…

Managing design, fabrication, installation and expectations are all important factors in successful exposed ductwork installations. But many contractors overlook one simple task.

Adding insulation to uninsulated forced hot air ducts can significantly reduce your heating costs and extend the life of your heater.

Take out the guesswork of calculating the right duct size for your home. Use our duct size calculator.