A duct system provides a secure path for delivering heat and cold air across a home. HVAC duct systems are often built of sheet metal, but they can also be made of other hard heatproof components like fibreglass or insulated plastic. The plenum is the core of any HVAC duct system, irrespective of construction type. The plenum is by far the essential part of an HVAC system’s ductwork. The reducers and dampers are essential; an HVAC plenum performs a dual function. We’ll go through what the plenum does and what to check for when a plenum in your house needs to be changed.
What is Plenum in HVAC?
A plenum box is a duct-connected HVAC component that consists of an encased box. You can find them near the air handler or furnace in an HVAC system. Between two plenum boxes, there is an air filter. You’ll have to take the air filter out from between the plenum boxes to replace it.
Plenum boxes circulate warm or cool air all across the inside of your house. The HVAC system must then transfer the heat or cold air via the ductwork after producing it. Plenum boxes collect this air to blow into the ductwork and circulate it throughout the inside of your house.
Types of Plenum in HVAC
Supply Plenums
This metal box connects to the supply outlet of HVAC systems such as central heating and air units and furnaces at the start of the ducts. The air that is pumped into the trunk lines and branches that run throughout a residence is supplied by the supply plenum. When you turn it on, the air conditioner unit no longer collects outside air. Instead, the mechanism recycles the air that pumps through to keep the home’s interior cool.
Return Plenums
A return plenum is another type of plenum you can find in houses with HVAC systems. This air distribution box returns air into your system, as the term indicates. The return plenum is where an air filter is placed.
The used air is drawn back into the ducts and discharged to the return plenum when fresh air is injected into the rooms. The return air then recirculates into the supply plenum for delivery because this unit also has air filters. Keeping air filters clean is the best process of maintaining supply and return plenums in good shape. Filters that are clogged block both the supply and return of air.
It means that new hot or cold air does not contact the appropriate vents. For the return, that means contaminants like mold and mildew will spread throughout the house. Keeping these filters clean is essential for a plenum’s optimal performance. Cleaning the vents regularly will also aid to maintain the plenum’s capacities and longevity.
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Installation of Plenum in HVAC
While plenum boxes aren’t overly complex, accessing, extracting, repairing/replacing, and reinstalling them correctly takes time. You can determine the cost of plenum box repair by several factors, including whether the unit is a return or supply plenum, the condition of the component, and whether your professional discovers any additional problems. If a plenum box is the only thing that you want to fix, you may expect to pay between $200 and $500. You can contact Air Duct Repair and Replacement in Buford for more information.
Plenum duct board panels, which are easy to install but not particularly robust, are an inexpensive option. The dual filter plenums are the right choice. With an R6 insulation grade, this category has some of the greatest plenums. For durability, galvanised steel is the ideal choice, but ductwork providers can also make custom boxes out of more rigid material.
If you want to save money by performing the task yourself, there are a few things to think about. You will have to start making some tough cuts in the metal sheet until things fall in line. Many plenums are built on the spot as well.
Maintenance of the Plenum
The supply plenum in specific residences can be difficult to reach, but this is not the issue with the return plenum. You can find filters in both of these airflow boxes in some circumstances. The HVAC filter in the return plenum is usually the one you will have to deal with.
Cleaning or replacing the plenum filter at least once every three months is necessary. People who live in sandy areas or have ductwork that isn’t well-sealed may have to clean their filters once per month. When they become blocked, your system must work extra hard, and your home’s air quality suffers as a result. While changing the filter is essential, the plenum region around the filter can become dusty. You can effectively use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to remove dust and debris. On the other hand, Air Duct Sanitizing in Buford is also a good option.
Whenever something goes wrong with these air distribution boxes, other than keeping the plenum clean and replacing the filter, technicians do most of the work. Keep this in mind when installing in places with exposed ductwork. If a plenum is hit strongly, you can damage it or relocate it. As a result, it will weaken or break the connection with your ductwork.