Welcome to the Anderson Air blog, where we’re here to help you get some background information on your HVAC system and how it works.
In today’s article, we’ll be covering jumper ducts! Not jumping jacks, but extensions on your ductwork. Maybe you’ve heard of a jumper duct, but if this HVAC component is new to you, chances are you may be asking what exactly a jumper duct is and how it’s useful for ventilation.
We’ll look at the purpose and functionality of jumper ducts and their benefits. With this article and a little help from our professional technicians, you’ll know whether your home system needs to install HVAC ducts to improve your system. Ready? Let’s jump in!
What is a jumper duct, and how does it work?
Jumper ducts are HVAC ventilation systems used to balance air pressure within buildings. It’s made of a single duct that connects two different spaces (typically through the ceiling), allowing air to be exchanged between them.
These ducts serve to equalize air pressure between rooms with differing temperatures. This helps prevent hot or cold spots within a building.
For instance, if one room is significantly warmer, the air pressure also increases in that room. An easy way to fix this is to keep doors open, but that’s not always possible. Ducts between rooms let hot air disperse to cooler rooms and create an even temperature balance. This method is far more cost-efficient and time-effective than traditional solutions such as installing additional vents or adjusting dampers.
They can be especially beneficial in larger buildings or ones with many floors where it’s much more likely to experience major temperature differences. Furthermore, they are crucial to improving overall system efficiency by ensuring proper air circulation and reducing strain on the HVAC unit.
Overall, jumper ducts provide effective air balancing and temperature control, making them an essential component in modern HVAC systems.
Signs my home needs HVAC jumper ducts
You may be wondering if your home needs these HVAC ducts. If you notice any of these signs, your house may have an air balancing or airflow problem and could likely benefit:
- Uneven heating or cooling: If you’re noticing major discrepancies in your home’s climate, air balancing and additional HVAC ducts may be a good investment to create even temperatures throughout your living space. For example, if some family members often complain that their bedroom is too cold or too hot, ducts can help keep all areas cozy and comfy like a home should be.
- Poor airflow: If your HVAC system’s air circulation is limited or weak, it may signal a need for these ducts. These ducts augment your system, and without them, it might be difficult for air to circulate properly, decreasing efficiency and comfort.
- Hot/Cold spots and drafts in your home: Similar to poor airflow and uneven cooling, hot/cold spots mean that the air isn’t getting distributed properly, thus you may need j
- Your unit is overworked: Without effective air balancing in place, your system could end up having to work harder and use more energy just to achieve an acceptable temperature in all of your rooms. If your system is overworking, jumper ducts may help it return to normal.
- A “jump” in your bills: If your energy bills have been steadily increasing or you’ve noticed an unexplainable spike, it might be because your system isn’t operating efficiently, increasing its energy consumption. Jumper ducts can help your bills stay where they should be.
- A new home or a remodeling project: Are you building a house or renovating your existing home? Consider jumper ducts to ensure you have proper air distribution throughout your new space from the get-go.
- Allergies and dust: Are you sneezing or sniffling more than usual? Improper air distribution can cause an accumulation of dust and allergens in your home. Augmenting your system can help spread clean air throughout your space and fix this for you.
- A noisy HVAC system: If your HVAC system is making strange noises, this could be due to improper air balancing. Check with a professional to diagnose the cause of the noise and ask about installing additional ducts.
- Long running times: Noticing that your HVAC system has started to run for longer and longer periods of time? This may be due to poor airflow and air balancing. Ducts can help distribute air evenly across your home, improving the efficiency of your unit.
Tips to improve jumper duct efficiency
If you’ve installed additional HVAC ducts to augment your HVAC system, consider the following tips to help you get the best out of your new installation.
Use the right size
A major part of effective duct installation and efficiency is the right size! Just like Goldilocks and the Three Little Bears, you want a system that is just right! The wrong size can compromise airflow, leading to inefficiency and potential damage.
If your ducts are too small, they won’t be able to handle enough air flow, leading to increased pressure and inefficiency. If they’re too large, it could contribute to pressure imbalances in your system. For the best results, consult a professional technician to properly size and install the ducts for you.
Choose the right material
Just like how the wrong size duct can affect efficiency, the wrong material can, too! Jumper ducts are available in a variety of different materials, each offering advantages and disadvantages for your system.
Metal ducts are more durable but also more noisy. Flexible ones, on the other hand, are quieter but aren’t as reliable for long-term use. Consult a pro for the best recommendation for your house.
Seal them well, and test for leaks
For optimal performance, ducts must be sealed against air leaks that can result in decreased efficiency or discomfort in the home. Use a high-quality sealant and have your installer conduct several checks to ensure your installation remains sealed over the course of its use.
Unblocked air flow and return
When installing jumper ducts, they must be placed in a way that allows for the best airflow. This means avoiding sharp turns or kinks in the pathways and avoiding blocked vents.
Also, ensure the return path is sealed and isn’t blocked – air doesn’t flow just one way and affects the efficiency overall. Just like your lungs, breathing in and breathing out is best when it’s unblocked and uninterrupted!
For more information, ask the professionals at Anderson Air.
Your comfort is important to us, and the functionality of your HVAC system is a huge part of that. If you think your home’s ventilation could use a boost, contact us today to ask about jumper ducts and how they can benefit your heating or cooling system. We also provide professional air balancing to ensure your rooms are at a healthy pressure.
Our technicians are highly qualified to handle any of your HVAC needs, from heating and cooling systems to air purification and balancing. For the best service in Arkansas, book an appointment with Anderson Air.
