Duct Takeoffs, Where HVAC Solutions Begin
When buildings suffer from drafts or stuffy air, hot and cold spots, impeded air flow and high energy costs, often the source of the problem can be traced back to poor ductwork design. Yes, issues that plague building occupants for decades can be traced back to the takeoffs done before the first run of ductwork was installed.
That’s why The Cincinnatus Group takes duct takeoffs seriously.
Working the Angles
A mistake our experts often see are duct takeoffs where airflow is expected to make a 90-degree turn unimpeded. Sharp turns result in air resistance and require the right fittings to assure that airflow isn’t going right past an intended takeoff.
At The Cincinnatus Group, we know that takeoffs are about more than seeing where the duct runs can fit; it’s about the physics of airflow matched with the specifications of the heating and cooling units chosen for installation.
Equipment location and capability inform the proper sizing of duct and the fittings used, along with the materials and supports needed to bring the system together as a functioning whole.
The consequences of poor design can add up to big expenses in ways that are not immediately apparent. A shortened lifespan for the air conditioning units, along with more frequent breakdowns, is one. Unbalanced air pressure that exposes occupants to high levels of dust, pollen, and odors is another.
Want to learn more? Give us a call at 878-295-8009 or visit our Contact Us page. We work with duct fabricators and sheet metal installers to deliver highly optimized takeoffs that save money now and over the course of a building’s lifetime.
Optimized Takeoffs
Ideally, your duct installation should be designed so that the available static pressure is expended on each run, from fan discharge to the air outlets serviced by that unit. In a commercial building, this requires some fancy calculation, both modifying the size of duct in different places where it’s necessary to either enhance or throttle airflow, and to find the minimal cost in metal so that the investment in ducting is efficient
Quiet operation, energy efficiency, equipment lifetime, and even the health of building occupants often come down to the level of expertise that went into the takeoffs.
The Cincinnatus Group not only offers such expertise, we’re often able to do so at less cost, more quickly than our competitors or your company can do in-house.
Duct Takeoffs in the Age of COVID-19
In the past, bad takeoff design could, given time, result in poor moisture control and mold growth, the accumulation of dust and pollutants, and pockets of stagnant and unconditioned air.
Pre-COVID, that was bad enough and could have health effects for a building’s occupants. Today, it could be a much more serious matter, and HVAC design is being called on not only to meet the best professional levels, but also to help mitigate an ongoing health crisis.
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), has said that “Changes to building operations, including the operation of heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems, can reduce airborne exposures.”
This means new designs and considerations in the way outside air is mixed with conditioned air and how often conditioned air is circulated to dilute potential viral concentrations.
Our Value to You
The Cincinnatus Group has the experience to handle your duct takeoffs efficiently and cost-effectively. We simplify and streamline your duct estimating process, providing our partners with:
- Reduced plan & spec take off liability.
- Time-Tested take off workflows & systems.
- Opportunities to repurpose your in-house human capital.
By partnering with The Cincinnatus Group, you can achieve higher profits, minimize liability, and finally eliminate the headache of plan & spec take offs.
To learn more about how The Cincinnatus Group can take your operations to the next level, call us at 1-878-295-8009, or send us a message on our Contact Us page.
