Topic outline

  • HVAC Air Distribution Basics and Duct Design

    Credits: 3 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    The heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system is one of the more complex systems installed in a structure and is responsible for a substantial portion of the total structure energy use.
    Right-sizing of an HVAC system is the selection of equipment and the design of the air distribution system to meet the accurate predicted heating and cooling loads of the structure.
    Right-sizing the HVAC system begins with an accurate understanding of the heating and cooling loads on a space; however, a full HVAC design involves more than just the load estimate calculation; the load calculation is the first step of the iterative HVAC design procedure.
    This strategy guideline discusses the information needed to design the air distribution system to deliver the proper amount of conditioned air to a space.
    This course is not a procedural step-by-step set of instructions on duct design and air distribution, but rather a guideline to the considerations for duct design in an energy efficient structure.

    Topics:

    • HVAC System Performance Criteria
    • Temperature Mixing and Uniformity
    • Volume and Pressure of Air
    • Ductwork Materials and Configuration
    • Supply and Return Outlets
    • Impact on Uniformity
    • Throw, Spread, and the Coanda effect
    • System Noise Reduction
    • Integrated Design
    • Design Principles
    • Pressure Drop
    • Room-by-Room Supply Requirements
    • Return Air Design
    • Duct Layout and Sizing

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course: Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.
         NOTE: After the exam is completed, you will need to return to this page, in order to print (download) the certificate of completion.

    Print the Certificate of Completion


    Intended Audience: primarily for mechanical, facilities, civil, construction, chemical, and other engineers who may deal with HVAC and air flow within the parameters of their job.

    Publication Source: US Dept. of Energy

    Donald Parnell, PE
    • Topic 1