Do-It-Yourself Ducting for an AC Unit
Traditional square metal ducting made it a difficult task to install ductwork for an air conditioning unit as a weekend project. It required tools and skills that most homeowners do not have. But modern round ducting, also known as flex duct, comes collapsed, and you simply pull it to stretch it out to its proper length. This type of ductwork makes installing ductwork for your AC unit much more of a do-it-yourself project. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Planning
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1
Design the ducting layout. If necessary, sketch out your home's attic or basement to help you figure out where the ducting should be run.
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2
Measure the distance from the central connection point on the AC unit to the vent or register for each duct.
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3
Account for any turns the ductwork must make by adding twice the duct's diameter for each turn.
Installation
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4
Cut sections of ductwork to length using sharp scissors or a utility knife. Metal snips may be necessary to cut the wire that spirals around the duct.
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5
Look at the end of the ducting. You will see three layers. Roll the outer two layers back 2 to 3 inches on each end of the ductwork to expose only the innermost layer. Slide this layer into the connections on the air handler of the AC unit and the vent or register.
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6
Roll the two outer layers down over this connection, and wrap the connection several times with duct tape. Secure it with a metal or plastic duct fastening strap.
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7
Repeat the process for each vent in your home.
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References
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