Lesson 2 – HVAC and Ducts, Part 1 (Mechanical Systems)

Lesson Overview
Your home’s overall performance – its energy costs, indoor air quality, thermal comfort, moisture control,
combustion safety – is based on the HVAC system as a whole. This first of two HVAC lessons provides an
introduction to the components of forced-air residential heating and cooling systems, installation sizing
considerations, the consequences of improper HVAC installation and benefits of a proper installation.

Lesson Outline
1. What qualifies as “good” heating, cooling and ventilation?
a. Personal preferences
b. Building codes
2. Components of the HVAC system
a. Heating
b. Cooling
c. Ventilation
d. Air handler
e. Ductwork
f. Air filters
g. Humidification and de-humidification
h. Exhausting appliances
i. System controls
3. Home performance and economic issues associated with HVAC mechanical equipment
a. Rooms too hot/cold (comfort)
b. Backdrafting of combustion appliances (IAQ)
c. Improperly managed humidity leading to the potential of mold growth (durability, comfort
and IAQ)
d. Leaking ductwork (comfort and IAQ)
e. System cost (tradeoff concept)
4. Methods for sizing a HVAC system
a. Rules of thumb
b. Manual J calculations
c. Consequences of an over-sized HVAC system
• Short cycling
• Limited de-humidification
5. Considerations of the “House as a System” in HVAC Design and Size
a. Insulation levels
b. Window performance, location (east, west, north, south), and surface area
c. Air tightness (envelope and ducts)
d. Size of home
e. Orientation
f. Climate
g. Fresh air exchange and ventilation
6. Benefits of a Well-designed HVAC System
a. Safety and comfort, improved IAQ
b. Reduced maintenance
c. Lower equipment and installation costs

Supporting Reading
Builder’s Guide p. 279 – 316 (HVAC)

Supporting Videos (internet)

Best Of Building Science Online Training: HVAC and Ducts
Arizona Code College Online Training: HVAC menu – air conditioning, zoning, building pressures, ducts
Supporting Video (classroom)
Building Better Homes: Mechanical Systems

Supporting Documents (Blackboard)

• Building Better Homes Video: Mechanical systems checklist and summary
• RBT digital image libary – HVAC and Ducts