What Is High-Velocity Heating?
High-velocity heating functions by warming air and delivering it to various living spaces by way of thin, flexible ducting. These ducts measure approximately 2 ¾ to 3 inches in diameter. This design eliminates the need for removing old ductwork, which minimizes destruction of drywall, ceilings, and more. Very small outlets mount onto walls or ceilings, making the most of the space you have. You’ll be able to preserve the features of your home, including historic trim and natural wood.The Key Details of High-Velocity Heating
A high-velocity heating setup has four main elements. First is the compact blower and coil assembly. This portion of the system is usually installed in your attic or utility closet. Housing the air handler, heating coil, and chilled-water coil for air conditioning purposes, this is the central location of your heating system. It’s comparable to your furnace. Next, flexible ducts that are about 3 inches in diameter will be installed throughout your walls, ceilings, and joists. Working with a knowledgeable professional with experience is necessary for this step. The goal is to ensure adequate ducting without having to remove drywall. Small grilles mount on walls and ceilings make up another element. In many cases they are so small that you don’t notice them unless you’re looking for them. These grilles push air in various directions in your living spaces. With an adequate number of grilles, you can achieve optimal comfort without hot or cold spots. Finally, you will need a thermostat to adjust your temperature just as you would with a traditional HVAC system. You can also utilize zone dampers to help direct conditioned air where you want it to go. Doing this can help boost the efficiency of your high-velocity heating system.The Benefits of High-Velocity Heating
Especially beneficial for older homes, high-velocity heating addresses fluctuations in temperature in the Maryland area. During extremely cold winters and even humid summers, this versatile HVAC option provides comfort while preserving quality and historic charm.Preserving a Home’s Architecture
The ultra-thin ductwork that this system uses makes it ideal for homes that have a lot of ornate details on walls, ceilings, and elsewhere. We don’t cause permanent damage with the installation of large intakes and vents. Small channels can be easily hidden while still ensuring comfort.Quick Installation
It doesn’t take long to install a high-velocity heating system in an older home. Normally, it would take a few weeks to go from an older heating system to a more modern HVAC setup. Instead, this process can be completed in only a few days in many cases.Excellent Indoor Air Quality
In a standard HVAC system, you can usually use a filter with a MERV rating of 8 to 13. Anything higher would be too restrictive. Because of the high level of velocity of this system, you can often use a filter that is more restrictive. This results in trapping more particulate matter, decreasing allergies, asthma, and other health problems. This system also results in a more frequent exchange of air. This reduces pockets of stagnant air and removes contaminants.Very Quiet Operation
The blower and motor are usually held in an insulated attic box with a high-velocity system. This can help you maintain noise levels at approximately 50 dB or lower when your heating system is operating.Consistent Comfort Throughout Your Home
The delivery of high-speed conditioned air keeps your home consistently comfortable. Other options like radiator units or window units can address only small areas at one time.Considering the Efficiency of High-Velocity Heating
People often assume that a high-velocity heating system will be inefficient due to the power needed to move air through smaller ductwork and vents. However, these systems often meet or exceed the efficiency of other traditional HVAC systems. You may see a savings of 10% to 20% after installation. High-velocity systems benefit from turbulent mixing. This is when a rapid flow of air swirls and breaks thermal stratification. You can maintain a comfortable home without having to run your heating equipment as frequently. Many high-velocity systems feature two-stage blowers that allow adjustments between output and actual load. This reduces the use of energy when the weather is mild, like in the fall or spring. Because ductwork is much smaller with this setup, there tends to be less heat loss. Of course, you need to ensure you’re working with a professional who will provide expert installation.The Installation Process: What to Expect
Before we can install anything, we will evaluate your home. We may ask if we can review the original blueprints of your residence. This allows us to come up with a plan for routing ducting along joists, in wall cavities, and in your attic. We will start by installing the thin ducting. We make very small cuts to minimize disruption to your home. Our goal is to work with any dead spaces that exist in your house. Our small access panels can then be patched quickly and inconspicuously. Noninvasive registers can be placed along baseboards, on ceilings, or along the edges of crown molding. We may need to remove and cap off old elements such as radiators.Choosing a High-Velocity System
There are a few manufacturers that create these high-velocity systems. This includes Unico, SpacePak, and Hi-Velocity Systems. We will work with you to determine which system is best for your needs. This includes evaluating the size of your home, your heating needs, the number of windows and doors in your home, the level of insulation that’s present, and the architecture of your residence. Considering the warranty coverage that’s available for a certain system is also important. This coverage can save you money in the future if something goes wrong. While a high-velocity system will cost you more than a basic window unit, it can pay off in long-term energy efficiency. The up-front investment will be determined by the amount of ducting needed and the ease of installation. Make sure to schedule routine maintenance and inspections to prevent problems and keep your system running efficiently and reliably. This provides you with savings over the life expectancy of your high-velocity system. Also, you can expect a return on investment if you ever sell your home. Preserving the historical quality of your home raises its value.Schedule an Appointment Today
Our team at Beltway Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing is available to help with all your heating service needs in the Hanover area. In addition to traditional and high-velocity systems, we offer oil-to-gas conversion and heat pumps. Let us know if you need assistance with new installation, emergency repairs, or routine maintenance. To get started, contact our team at Beltway Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing in Hanover today.
Meet the Author
