Know Your Ductwork Fitting Terminology
E.P. Homiek Sheet Metal & HVAC Supply provides prefabricated ductwork and for residential and commercial projects as well as custom fabrication. Prefabricated fittings can be oftentimes be modified in the field using shears and crimpers to meet a contractor’s needs, providing an economical way to keep job costs down. Many contractors opt for both, mixing custom-fabricated pieces with factory prefabricated pieces. Though most custom fabrication costs more to purchase, purchasing prefabricated fittings can often save money on field labor, helping to bring a project in on budget.
When it comes to ordering ductwork, it is important to know the correct terminology for pieces that include elbows, transitions, offsets, plenums, reductions, adapters, curbs, square-to-rounds, manifolds, sleepers, supports, etc. Most of our customers do not have engineered design drawings with fittings shown, and it is easy to make a mistake when ordering and providing verbal dimensions and instructions. Errors can be made by using incorrect nomenclature or not knowing which way the fitting turns, or inlet and outlet sizes.
Knowing exactly what you’re ordering can prevent many of these errors, so E.P. Homiek recommends the HVAC ASHRAE Duct Fitting Database for iOS. This app features drawings of more than 200 round, rectangular, and flat oval duct fittings, as well as loss coefficient tables, and table date for supply, exhaust, and common duct functions. Currently it can be purchased for $9.99 from the App Store. This information is available from other sources, as well. Attention to small details like these can safeguard project profit margins, prevent headaches, and preserve your relationship with your customers.
About E.P. Homiek
E.P. Homiek Sheet Metal Fabrication & HVAC Supply, with two convenient locations in Lakewood, NJ and Union, NJ, provides one- to two-day turnaround on all residential and light commercial ductwork, as well as one- to two-hour emergency fabrication service, rapid delivery, and competitive prices. HVAC parts, supplies, and equipment lines include Goodman, Honeywell, Bryant, Bradford White, Crown Boiler, Daikin, Weil-McLain, Sea Breeze, Generac, Fantech, ZM, A.O. Smith, Hart & Cooley, Malco, Mueller, and many more.
