2009 IECC, International Energy Conservation Code. International Code Council, Washington, D.C.
No Kinks or Sharp Bends in Flex Duct Installation
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Scope
Duct Distribution Quality Installation
Connections and routing of ductwork completed without kinks or sharp bends:
- Install ducts without kinks. Kinks are caused when ducts are bent across sharp corners such as framing members.
- Install ducts without sharp bends. Sharp bends occur when the radius of the duct center line is less than one duct diameter.
- Coordinate with the framer, plumber, and electrician for effective duct installation.
Notes:
Kinks are to be avoided and are caused when ducts are bent across sharp corners such as framing members. Sharp bends are to be avoided and occur when the radius of the turn in the duct is less than one duct diameter.
Duct Air Flow Basics
- Each turn, kink, or compression of ductwork reduces air flow.
- If the recommended amount of air flow is not delivered to the room, it could lead to homeowner comfort complaints.
Duct Air Flow Tips
- Design ducts in compliance with Manual D.
- Use balancing dampers in flex ducts to control flow. For metal ducts, butterfly dampers may be used to control air flow.
- To prevent kinks at the duct and boot connection, ENERGY STAR recommends using metal duct elbow instead of flex duct.
- Webbed trusses between floors allow for ducts to freely pass through the floor system without compromising the structure.
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Description
Flexible ductwork, known as flex duct, is very convenient ducting for attaching supply air outlets to rigid trunk ductwork. In many cases, flex duct comprises the complete duct system. Flex duct made for HVAC applications is typically constructed of a plastic inner liner attached to a metal wire helix (or coil) to make round, flex duct. The duct comes with a layer of fiberglass blanket insulation already attached around the duct. The insulation is covered and protected by a polyethylene or foil vapor barrier. Flex duct is typically available in insulation values of R-4, R-6, and R-8. For residential HVAC systems, insulated flex duct typically comes in diameters of 4 inches through 10 inches; above 10 inches, it comes in even sizes of 12, 14, 16, etc., up to 22 inches measured at the radius of the metal helix.
Figure 1 - Flex duct consists of a plastic inner liner attached to a metal coil, covered by a layer of fiberglass blanket insulation, which is covered by a foil or plastic vapor barrier. 
Figure 2 - Because flex duct is so flexible, contractors are sometimes tempted to bend it too much or squeeze it through areas that are too narrow. These compressions can greatly restrict air flow, hindering HVAC system performance and leading to comfort complaints from homeowners.
Insulated flex duct, if installed to the standards described in Manual D Residential Duct Systems (Air Conditioning Contractors of America [ACCA] 2009), can be a cost-effective air duct product. Flex duct bends easily to accommodate turns around slight obstructions. This flexibility is flex duct’s greatest asset and its greatest liability. Because it bends so easily, there is a temptation to ignore HVAC layout in framing designs. Then, when HVAC is installed after framing, the ducting may be bent or compressed excessively to fit around obstructions. Compressions restrict air flow to affected rooms and increase pressure on the system fan, causing premature wear and excessive energy use. For a better understanding of HVAC fan static pressure and pressure drop in HVAC systems, see Supply Return Static Pressure.
Figure 3 - Cooperation with plumbing and electrical crews is important to ensure that flex duct is not crushed by plumbing and wiring installations.
The routing of flex duct, the number of bends, the degree of the bends, and the amount of sag between supports will negatively affect the overall pressure drop across the duct system because of the increased resistance. When a bend or turn has to be made in the flex duct, avoid bending across sharp corners and do not exceed 90-degree turns. Use gradual curves instead. Avoid incidental contact with metal fixtures, pipes, or conduits, especially in humid climates where compressed insulation can create condensation issues.
The best way to avoid conflict between the HVAC duct system and other services like plumbing and wiring is to plan for HVAC system layout in the initial design stage. Figure 4 shows a compact duct design with short runs and minimal turns.
Figure 4 - A compact duct design for ducts located in a vented attic.
The Manual D friction rate method requires estimating the equivalent length of the duct system. The equivalent length of duct is based on the design velocity. Bends and junction boxes increase friction in the duct. To account for this friction, ACCA has determined numerical values in feet of equivalent length that can be added when estimating the length of ducting in the distribution system. For example, a 90-degree bend in a flex duct adds an additional 15 feet of equivalent length to the duct system at a velocity of 700 feet per minute. (See Manual D, Third Edition, Appendix 3, Group 11, "Flexible Duct Junction Boxes and Radius Bends," [ACCA 2009].)
Manual D Residential Duct Systems (ACCA 2009) sets standards for flex duct design and installation. See Appendix 17 for a detailed discussion of duct installation. The Flexible Duct Performance Standards (Fifth Edition) by the Air Diffusion Council (ADC) provides guidance to designers, architects, engineers, contractors, and installers.
For more on flex duct installation, see No Excessive Coiled or Looped Flex Ducts, Sufficient Cavity Space for Flex Ducts, Support at Intervals for Flex Ducts, and Sealed and Insulated Flex Ducts.
How to Install Flex Duct without Kinks and Bends:
- During the design phase, perform a room-by-room Manual J HVAC load calculation to identify the required airflow for each room.
- Using preliminary construction documents, lay out or sketch possible duct routing on floor plans. Lay out the ducts so that runs are as short and straight as possible. Review sectional drawings for possible obstructions.
- Perform a Manual D calculation on the proposed sketch. Make the Manual D duct design part of the construction documents. If flex duct is run through manufactured trusses, there will be bends and they should be calculated as elbows.
- At the duct-to-boot connection, consider using a metal duct elbow or a plastic duct bend support product to reduce the risk of a kink at the duct-boot connection. When installing, pull ducting taut to avoid sagging as described in No Excessive Coiled or Looped Flex Ducts.
- Before the framing stage, consult the design team, discuss duct routing, and determine the work flow to minimize conflict with other trades. If HVAC ducts are installed before plumbing and electrical, discuss expectations about avoiding compression of ducts with those trades.
Ensuring Success
Make sure that duct chases are considered early in the home design phase. Use ACCA Manual D procedures for designing flexible duct systems (See Manual D, Section 11, Sizing Flexible Constant Volume Duct Systems). Inspect installed ductwork during the thermal bypass inspection to ensure there are no sharp bends or kinks.
Climate
No climate specific information applies.
Right and Wrong Images
Presentations
None Available
Videos
None Available
CAD Images
None Available
Compliance
ENERGY STAR Version 3, (Rev. 6)
HVAC System Quality Checklist, Duct Quality Installation. Connections and routing of ductwork completed without kinks or sharp bends. Kinks are to be avoided and are caused when ducts are bent across sharp corners such as framing members. Sharp bends are to be avoided and occur when the radius of the turn in the duct is less than one duct diameter.
Exhibit 1: Mandatory Requirements. Certified under ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes Version 3.
Flex duct installation is not specifically addressed in the 2009 IECC.
Flex duct installation is not specifically addressed in the 2012 IECC.
Case Studies
None Available
References
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2009 IECC—International Energy Conservation Code
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2012 IECC—International Energy Conservation Code
2012 IECC, International Energy Conservation Code. International Code Council, Washington, D.C.
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DOE Challenge Home National Program Requirements
DOE. 2012. DOE Challenge Home National Program Requirements (Rev. 02). Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, U.S. Department of Energy, Washington, D.C.
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ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes, Version 3 (Rev. 06) Inspection Checklist for National Program Requirements
EPA. 2012. ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes, Version 3 (Rev. 06) Inspection Checklist for National Program Requirements. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C.
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Flexible Duct Performance and Installation Standards
ADC. 2010. Flexible Duct Performance and Installation Standards, Fifth Edition. Air Diffusion Council.
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HVAC System Quality Installation Rater Checklist
EPA. 2011. HVAC System Quality Installation Rater Checklist. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C.
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Manual D—Residential Duct Systems
Rutkowski, H. 2009. Manual D—Residential Duct Systems, 3rd Edition. Prepared by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA).
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Recommended Practices for Properly Installing Flexible Duct
ACTO Rubber Products Inc. and Air Diffusion Council. 2011. Recommended Practices for Properly Installing Flexible Duct. Presented at HVACR & Mechanical Instructor Workshop by ACTO Rubber Products Inc., and the Air Diffusion Council, March 13, 2011.
