flexible ductwork shortage

PROPER EXTENSION . We mainly run round trunk (Warm Air-24 gauge) which is in no short supply. It is of the utmost importance that in times of a supply chain crisis we do everything in our power to help local businesses and consumers.. We use a lot of round pipe and insulate it with flex duct, but right now you cant get the stuff anyplace. Flame/Smoke: 25/50. ALL TOGETHER NOW: Members of the National Guard teamed up to help a driver during last winters ice storm in Texas. Browse the catalog below, and keep in mind that we're a phone call away if you have a question that needs an answer. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment. Flex is easier to run. The last two years have been full of challenges for everyone in the country. Banned. Very cost effective insulated duct. hbbd```b``n~ dW The standard flexible ducts that make up most of the ventilation systems in homes have a heavy-duty stainless steel spring as their core. The best price I have got so far for the 2 x xv80 furnace (60K and 100K) + XB13 AC + 2xTrane 602 thermostats is $8200. In fact, material is one of the main differences between flexible and metal ductwork. Kinks are comparatively easy to spot, but a sharp bend can constrict airflow and is more difficult to see [3B]. The flex duct commonly used in Southern California relies on a heavy-duty stainless steel spring for its core. That insulation is more widely available and does not present any safety concerns.I am pleased to see Gov. r/HVAC . E.g. The most common problems I see with flex are: Kinks and sharp turns. Despite the inability to keep up with current demand, industry professionals are optimistic. Custom lengths available. Duct tape has many uses, but sealing ducts isnt one of them. home, you could anticipate spending $1,000 to $6,000 on the installation of ductwork, depending on several factors, including how much ducting is needed, the ease of . Find My Store. February ice storms in Texas drastically affected facilities that produce many of the materials for HVAC systems. Each day, we put together the latest remodeling news, delivered to your inbox. Shortages are projected to last until the end of 2021. 75 products. Choose insulated or non-insulated flexible ducts in the diameter that fits your . Labor is Expensive. and our He said the freeze not only knocked down production but caused damage that cannot easily be repaired, given the very specialized equipment and engineering expertise needed simultaneously for several facilities., The list of affected products here is long: PVC pipe and plumbing supplies; vinyl siding and vapor barriers; geotextiles; paints, coatings, and highway striping materials; even packaging such as the wrapping around lumber or the layers in corrugated boxes.. All ducts should be sealed using UL-181rated duct mastic [1], and flexible ducts should be held in place with tie wraps at all connectors. Ideally, all ducts should be located within the conditioned space. Speaking of transport, Loftus update cited March 2021 as the sixth-best month ever for intermodal rail originations. First, because the air has to travel farther, it is exposed to more of the ducts interior surface area. In a recently published article, the Associated General Contractors of America noted a shortage in copper, plastics, concrete, woodand yes, microchips. Fresh eggs from a customer's chickens. Tim Healey The 2018 IECC will allow low-lying ducts in attic space, with rules for each climate zone that specify insulation coverage above and below the ductwork. Specs. For more information, please see our Plan the framing package to include chases or trusses to accommodate ductwork [2B]. Insulated The Master Flow 6 in. This article was adapted from a video series at ProTradeCraft.com, which is based on material from the Building AmericaSolution Center (BASC), an online tool from the U.S. Department of Energy that collects best-practices recommendations from the countrys top building science and home building experts. The "rip-stop" silver jacket flexduct has a metallic, polyester-vapor barrier with a special "rip-stop" scrim reinforcement. Supports should be at least 1 inches wide. GUIDELINES FOR INSTALLING FLEXIBLE DUCT I N S T A L L A T I O N I N S T R U C T I O N S N o n m e t a l l i c A i r D u c t s & A i r C o n n e c t o r s w i t h P l a i n E n d s U L 1 8 1 L i s t e d U n d e r F i l e M H 9 5 9 6, 9 8 4 4 A P P . Illustration: courtesy U.S. Dept. All Rights Reserved BNP Media. However, we pride ourselves on being as flexible as flexible ductwork, so we can offer you many different solutions when it comes to handling repairs, replacements, and installations for your HVAC equipment. If you're concerned about energy efficiency for your heating and cooling system, HVAC 20 duct insulation is a must-have. The most popular Flexible Duct sizes are 8-inch Flexible Ducts, 24-inch Flexible Duct, 12-inch Insulated Flexible Duct, 4-inch Insulated Flexible Duct and so on. Construction may not have it quite as bad as the auto industry or consumer electronics industry in this regard. Mobile Home Flexible Duct: R6 Silver Jacket: R8 Silver Jacket: Specialty Flex Duct Antimicrobial & High Pressure: Flexible Duct 25ft and 50ft bags all sizes R4, R6, R8. 90 0 obj <>stream Flex ducts can be used for heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems in both residential and commercial applications. Next-Day Delivery* Yes (12) Price Less than $24.99 (4) Between $25 and $49.99 (4) Between $50 and $74.99 (3) Between $75 and $99.99 (2) Between $100 and $499.99 (2) Show more. Wood products, getting hit on two sides, are also harder to come by. We are a family-owned business with deep roots in this community since 1946. Flex duct! Space supports no more than 4 feet apart (a connection to a rigid duct or to equipment counts as a support point). One easy way to ensure that bends meet this standard is to use metal elbows at these critical locations. The current area of major concern is a shortage of flexible ductwork thats used in ventilation systems. An oversized, loose, steel wire helix supports a thick blanket of fiberglass insulation creating an air gap between the reflective inner core and fiberglass . But the path for the final branch of the flexibleductwork treethe one that runs from the trunk or plenum to the outlet registeris typically chosen by the subcontractor. Staying vigilant is key during this time, as is acting speedily. Standard diameters are available in 4" to 22" with 25' per bag. Contact us for smart thermostat installation in Indianapolis, IN! Take Advantage of the Latest Smart Thermostat Benefits in Indianapolis, IN. In addition to researching online for available vendors/supplies, we are . Ductwork Cost per Square Foot . Adlerberts-Protege. Insulated Flexible Duct R6 Silver Jacket The Master Flow 6 in. 7 Inch Flexible Duct,7 inch Duct,Flex Duct,Flexible Hose, Insulated Flexible Duct, 25 Feet Long Aluminum Ducting, for Ventilation Exhaust,Comes with Duct Tape, Duct Work Glove and Clamps. Zionsville, All Rights Reserved | Vital Heating & Air. IMPERIAL. Sometimes the best route for a flexible duct run isup and over an obstruction. For example, if you have a 2,000 sq.ft. According to economists, however, the numbers just don\\'t add up. Meets UL181 Standard. H&C Flex is committed to the flexible duct industry and supports it through involvement in many industry-related associations, committees, and organizations. So, you can typically see sources of inefficiency due to friction with the naked eye. of Energy. On most projects, HVAC flexible ductwork is located in designated chases that maximize the efficiency of the airflow. Open Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. service all makes and models. I use the same size, I just start the inside layer on the pipe so the other two layers slide on easy. The #1 question asked by NEW MEMBERS. Privacy Policy. (Courtesy of the National Guard), The February ice storms in Texas also derailed work at petrochemical plants in Houston that make resins and what Simonson describes as the building blocks for construction plastics. H&C Flex uses formaldehyde-free, bio-based, environmentally friendly insulation for improved indoor air quality. TRUST. Works pretty good with 90s too? Another problem is that curves and bends and spiral ridges cause turbulence in the air flow, which also reduces the airflow's velocity. After the stress of Summer 2020, many HVAC distributors are building inventories sooner to avoid delays. Efficient. Right now, our entire industry is grappling with equipment shortages due to supply chain issues and available workers. Lack of coordination among subtrades can result in bends and kinks to avoid piping, wiring, and framing components [3A]. for 1+3, enter 4. The year in HVAC business, so far, is off to a good start. Delivering Excellence. Strong polyester film laminated and encapsulating a heavy steel wire helix forms the inner core. Loftus reported that distributors have developed a greater appreciation for a just in case inventory strategy and are buying sooner. Our team at HL Bowman is always happy to assist with any residential or commercial heating, cooling, or plumbing project. The import of stainless steel was also interrupted because of supply chain problems, exacerbating the shortage and increasing in prices for the numerous products that rely on it, from car grills to outdoor BBQs. By visiting this website, certain cookies have already been set, which you may delete and block. Filters. Repair torn or damaged vapor barrier/jacket with duct tape listed and labeledtoStandardUL181B. Greenwood, Indianapolis Stainless steel, it turns out, is one of many simple commodities that regularly runs out this year. Provides acoustical as well as thermal insulation. To prevent the need for costly troubleshooting behind finished walls and ceilings, carefully inspect before drywall is installed to make sure there are no sharp bends or any kinks concealed behind framing [3B]. Thermaflex flexible ducting is UL 181 Listed Class 1 air duct. Often, they find themselves competing to find space to run the ducts among all the wiring and piping already installed by the electrical and plumbing trades. If you have an HVAC system near the end of its service life, please consider replacing it before you find yourself without air conditioning during the hottest months of the summer. Ducting ESP is over 0.8 IWC, and needs to be closer to 0.5. Thinking about a Furnace Replacement in Indianapolis, IN? endstream endobj startxref EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Reply. A good rule of thumb is to provide a duct support no less than every 4 feet, and more frequently when using large-diameter flexible duct [4C], even when ducts are partially supported by framing members [4D]. HVAC companies around the U.S. are seeing product shortages and price increases continue into late Spring 2021. Here at Flexible Ducting all of our ventilation products are manufactured and tested to achieve the highest quality possible. Parts like flex ducts are part of shortage. The plastic Black Duct, which has components glued together, will eliminate the leakage problems caused by screws penetrating metal duct, its inventor says. These whisper-quiet systems require no ductwork, making them a perfect option for additions, rec rooms, or guesthouses. A good rule of thumb is to provide a duct support no less than every 4 feet, and more frequently when using large-diameter flexible duct [4C], even when ducts are partially supported by framing members [4D]. Temperature Range: -20 F to +160 F. Sizes I.D. Video Do I Need to Schedule a Maintenance Appointment? Duct runs that are long and not supported well. And each turn, kink, or compression in a duct run reduces airflow, which results in more comfort-related complaints from your customers. You see it on the auto dealer lots with low inventory and increased pricing, or if youre trying to purchase a new gaming system. 99. Why is flexible ductwork currently facing a shortage? However, lingering COVID-related hurdles and other random events have created a host of material shortages that have combined to put stress on the construction industry in general. ID Tolerances: These shortages and common price increases can add up to have a meaningful impact on HVAC companies, especially but not limited to those working in new construction. Operating Temperature. will Follow the manufacturers instructions, but in case they get lost, here is a list of best practices for supporting ducts: When ducts must be routed up and over an obstruction, too few supports can cause kinks [4A]. If you need repairs and replacements for your ducts, we recommend you act as soon as possible to avoid future price increases. If you have had concerns about your ventilation system in the past, arrange with our technicians to inspect the system and see what we can do regarding maintenance and repair. Please enter a valid email address for yourself. Just curious, why do this instead of regular wrap? Speedway We are monitoring the EPA list of approved chemicals that is linked on the CDC website. Friction in a flexible duct system will depend on duct extension, the duct's support system, and the curves in the ductwork. %%EOF 6 in. The flexible air duct is warranted by Quietflex Manufacturing Company, L.P., for five (5) years against defects in material and workmanship. For special sizes, we can also custom for you. Friction is the enemy of airflow. As a result, companies making copper rods, resins, and microchips are weeks to months behind schedule. Second, because the duct isnt stretched tight, the wire ribs in the duct create more friction than usual along the entire length of duct. In this day and age, I find it hard to believe there's still people who smoke in their homes. How long the HVAC equipment shortage will last is unclear. Have you had more homeowners buying heat pumps due to the IRA's 25C tax credit? Not exactly, See how Model ReModel 2022 constructed its vaulted ceiling, These quick questions (and solutions) will allow you to determine if a crack is aesthetic or structural, Hear why the Model ReModel contractor chose blow-in cellulose and watch the installation, These three quick tips will maximize the usefulness of your rough-in images, ensuring they're helpful for years to come. End market demand has not changed, he said, just the order pattern., In the face of the more recent materials shortages and personnel struggles, Loftus said HARDI members have been inspired to build inventories sooner than usual to avoid the shortages and stress of last summer.. Because of the limited attic access, a 10 area of ductwork can be impossible to move to where it needs to go. Dont let the ducts sag more than inch per foot between supports; maximum sag shouldnt exceed2 inches. Created by Design Cypher Cooper Mechanical Services 2023. Additionally, manufacturers are having to increase costs due to materials shortages . Type 9M flexible duct is backed by a 5 year warranty. "This strong start has pushed the annual sales growth rate from 4.1% at the end of 2020 all the way to 6.1% for the 12 months through 2021," he wrote in a recent update. (inches): 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 Inch I.D. If you have any questions about duct services in Indianapolis, IN Ducts that are not stretched tight or that contain sharp bends can increase the equivalent length of the duct run by several multiples (see illustration, above). Avoid taking up slack with sharp bends [2A], which severely reduce airflow. Illustration: courtesyU.S. Dept. Unfortunately, on many jobsites, poor planning of the framing and lack of coordination among subtrades result in all manner of bends and kinks, some of which all but stop airflow completely [3A]. Steel tends to grab the most attention among raw materials. Emergency services: 24 hours. . Are you seeing that? Airflow is more complicated than it seems, and carelessness or disregard for these best practices can really come back to bite you. 2 inches [4E]. For example, the center line of a bend in 8-inchdiameter duct should follow a curve with a radius of at least 8 inches [3C]. Watch for common signs of furnace problems like strange noises, strong fuel odors, and longer cycles. Copyright 2023. of Energy. Today the company operates four state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and is the largest family-owned flexible air duct manufacturer in North America. For a more long-term solution, metal ductwork is a much better option. A recent article on the ACHR industry site finds that its factors beyond COVID-19 that are impacting production. Cement and concrete face supply issues as well, most notably west of the Mississippi. When it comes to reliable flex ducting , industry virtually everywhere turn to 4" duct.This type of flexible duct has become synonymous with ease of use and customer satisfaction because of its affordability and its wide variety of possible implementations. Charlie can do video sales training with your HVAC residential replacement salespeople over the internet. One industry professional told me, "Everyone felt the effects when the raw . Cooper sign House Bill 243 into law so we can address the industrys need for flexibility, Sen. Jarvis said. If duct manufacturers can't get ahold of stainless steel, they can't make flex ducts. Ask Our Pros-Owner Assistance - NO DIY advice will be given. Give us a call today at 317-967-9073. Since 1976, Quietflex has had the product range and central locations to get you better flex duct and fiberglass products faster. 3"y ,> L~v6`v+HN08fG} DVb+`NIf%5nW U2t2N 35)5@ /.# Contact Vital Heating and Air for professional furnace repair in Indianapolis, IN. While the supply shortages created by winter and spring storms are not expected to last long, labor shortages could keep delays in play for another six months, according to Todd Young of Ferguson Enterprises. Range:-20 o F to + 250 o F. Email your feedback on this column or your questions to charlie@charliegreer.com. HVAC Equipment Shortage: What You Need to Know. The shortages impact materials, such as steel, aluminum, copper and plastics, whose costs are expected to rise in coming months. is a certified I am so over "shortages" and elevated prices for everything. The companies said equipment shortages are not as bad as last year, but the new problem is a ductwork shortage. Flex ducts are available in a variety of materials that conform to the building's shape as necessary, like rubber, stainless steel, silicone and polyurethane. Strong. Docs. Some manufacturers were hit earlier than others due to outbreaks in their facilities, forcing them to abide by CDC regulations and shut down for two weeks at a time. February ice storms in Texas drastically affected facilities that produce many of the materials for HVAC systems. When Simonson sums up the situation on the commercial side as Nonresidential construction is experiencing headwinds from postponed and canceled projects, steep increases in materials costs, and lengthening delivery times, the picture doesnt sound good. For builders following the performance path, buried ducts may be considered as insulated to R-25, and sufficiently well-sealed ducts may be treated as located within the conditioned . Metal is better for airflow. Model # FXL0005. Accessories Pumps, Cooling Towers, Evap Condensers, etc, Components Valves, Motors, Condensers, Evaporators, etc, Duct Systems Design, Installation & Practice, Piping Systems Design, Installation & Practice, Control System Design, Installation & Practice, Pro's Forum: National Electrical Code (NEC), Pro's Forum: Calculations & Electrical Theory, Pro's Forum: Electrical Business & Marketing. Duct Cleaning; Duct Sealing; You must simply lead with these services during the equipment shortage to ensure you don't lose sales with homeowners that don't want to wait to fix their HVAC issues. The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials is considering whether to limit the use of flex duct in residential projects to no more than 5-foot lengths, citing the energy lost to friction inherent when flex duct is installed, especially in . Carmel Fishers Adding that all this is making it hard for most firms to add new construction jobs compared to a year ago puts things in stark relief. As far as I can tell all posts talk about the supply shortages or some helpful tips on how to use an alternate material to keep you going if you can't find flex duct. Keep reading to check out the top reasons you should replace your homes thermostat with a new smart thermostat. Videos. Robert Beverly has worked in HVAC press for BNP Media since 1998, serving as Engineered Systems' editor before joining The NEWS as a senior editor. Participate in over 40 different forums and search/browse from nearly 3 million posts. THE TRUSTED FLEX DUCT. Young commented in response to a request for input from the American Supply Association for this article. He cited improved product availability and some accumulated backorders working hand in hand along with price increases being passed through and an improving overall economy. Flexible ductwork is made of a thin, pliable material, which makes it less durable than metal and makes it more likely to sustain damage in the short term.