Following are 10 steps to a successful Ducted System Installation in Adelaide houses-
• Measure The Load – The first step is to perform a ‘load calculation.’ Now that the system has been sized properly for the structure, Trade Focus Heating and Cooling will begin its equipment installation.
• Find an appropriate location for the ‘Fan Coil Unit’ – The initial consideration you need to take is the location of the ‘fan coil unit.’ The fan coil unit might be located in an ‘unconditioned’ space. Areas of the attic, garage, and crawl space are good enough as long as it is protected from the harsh weather & the local codes are met. The fan coil unit might also be located in a ‘conditioned’ space like a basement, closet, and utility room. There are two kinds of fan coil configuration – horizontal & vertical cabinets. One must also take into consideration the ‘location’ of the return air filter box & duct. Another vital consideration in the process of carrying out Ducted System Installation in Adelaide houses is the location of the ‘9-inch’ inside diameter plenum, refrigerant lines, air supply tubing, and condensate drain line. When installing a ‘fan coil unit’ in an attic space, it is recommended to install a ‘secondary drain pan’ or a ‘float switch.’ Again check the local codes for this. The unit might be installed on a platform or ‘suspended’ from a ‘pre-assembled’ suspended platform. The platform must be close enough to the return air box opening for connecting the return air plenum duct. This is an important consideration in the process of carrying out ducted system installation in Adelaide houses.
• Cut the ‘Return Air Opening’ – Next step is to cut the ‘return air opening.’ You have to select your exact location for the ‘return air duct.’ You should avoid installing the ‘return air box’ in the dining room, kitchen, or living room unless the ‘air duct’ can be installed with a ‘180-degree’ bend. Once the opening is according to the size & dimensions of the return air opening, the fan coil can be passed through that opening. The ‘return air box’ is designed to fit between joists which are ‘16 inches’ on center with a ‘14-inch’ width. For wall applications like when making use of a ‘vertical free-standing’ fan coil unit, make sure the opening will permit for a ‘90-degree’ bend in the return air duct. The next step of Ducted System Installation in Adelaide houses is to check for correct fit of your return air box. However, don’t install the return air box until the installation is done because you might want to pass materials for the installation via this opening.
• Build A Simple Platform – You can build a simple platform based on the size of the ‘fan coil unit.’ Instructions for this might be found in the ‘installation manual.’ It is recommended to make use of ‘2- by 8-inch’ stud lumber & a minimum of ‘1/2-inch’ plywood for platform building. Always make use of the provided isolation strips under the coil unit for the best performance. For locations where the coil unit must be suspended, you have to suspend the platform overhead by ‘1/4-inch’ threaded rods. You should never connect a ‘threaded rod’ directly to the ‘fan coil cabinet.’ This is an important thing to remember while executing Ducted System Installation in Adelaide houses. It is not necessary to secure the ‘fan coil unit’ to the platform as the weight of the unit shall hold it in position. Also, do not forget to leave your room for servicing.
• Connect The Condensate Drain – You are now all set to connect the ‘condensate drain trap’ to the ‘fan coil unit.’ You always are supposed to run the condensate drain line from the ‘trap to a suitable drain’ by the local codes. Make sure that the drain line is pitched ‘1/4 inch’ per foot. You should never connect the condensate line to a ‘closed drain system’. You always should make use of a secondary drain pan for the overhead systems. This is another important step to consider when executing Ducted System Installation in Adelaide houses.
• Connect Supply Tubing & Plenum Duct – When installing the ‘air distribution components,’ it is always a fine idea to do a ‘system layout’ based on the sizing parameters. The plenum duct might be run in any location practically, which is easy to get to for the attachment of the supply tubing. Review layouts in the installation manual. Plenum duct installation, elbows, all tees, and branch runs have been a minimum of ‘18 inches’ from the fan coil unit & any other tee, elbow, or branch supply run. It’s recommended that you use minimum tees and elbows to keep the system pressure ‘drop’ to a minimum. If you do not follow this step properly when performing Ducted System Installation in Adelaide homes, you might have to face serious problems in future. The plenum duct comes in ‘6-foot’ lengths and might be cut to the desired lengths depending on the system layout.
• Install Terminator Outlets & Sound Attenuation Tubing – You’re ready to start the installation of the room terminators or outlets & the sound attenuation tubing. Room terminators & sound attenuating tubing are available in the installation kits. Mark the locations properly where you want to install the room terminators. While marking the location for room terminators, the center of the terminator has to be ‘5 inches’ from a wall edge. You cannot afford to neglect this step when carrying out Ducted System Installation in Adelaide homes. When installed in a ‘room-ceiling corner,’ the location should be ‘5 inches’ from each wall edge. After you have marked the location, drill a ‘1/8-inch’ hole for the outlet. Permit at least ‘2 inches’ of clearance all around the ‘1/8-inch’ hole. After all, clearances have been properly checked, make use of a ‘4-inch’ hole-saw to cut a hole, using the ‘1/8-inch’ hole as your ‘pilot.’
Undoubtedly, the entire process of Ducted System Installation in Adelaide homes is not a cakewalk. It demands time, energy and skill. For expert help, you may call up Trade Focus Heating and Cooling. We are famous Air conditioner installers in Adelaide. Apart from the installation we also carry out ducted system servicing in Adelaide.