Ordering Prefabricated Ductwork, Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication, and Using the Right Terminology
E.P. Homiek Sheet Metal & HVAC Supply offers a wide variety of prefabricated HVAC ductwork for residential and commercial applications to complement our custom sheet metal fabrication services and products.
Prefabricated fittings provide an economical way to keep job costs down. Many contractors opt for both, mixing custom-fabricated pieces with factory prefabricated pieces that can be oftentimes be modified in the field using shears and crimpers to meet project needs. E.P. Homiek uses Ductmate self-sealing duct connectors that allow ductwork systems to be easily modified in the field and maintain a high static pressure class. Custom sheet metal fabrication usually costs more to purchase, so prefabricated duct fittings can often save money on field labor and help to keep projects 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, access doors, fire dampers, transfer ducts, and more. E.P. Homiek customers often have not been supplied with engineered design drawings for their project with fittings shown, so mistakes are not uncommon when ordering and providing verbal dimensions and instructions. Ordering errors are often due to using incorrect nomenclature, providing wrong inlet and outlet sizes, and not properly specifying which way a fitting should turn. It is also important to always account for inside (ID) and outside (OD) dimensions when ordering ductwork that is lined.
E.P. Homiek recommends the HVAC ASHRAE Duct Fitting Database for iOS to prevent ordering errors. This app features drawings of more than 200 round, rectangular, and flat oval duct fittings, as well as loss coefficient tables, table data for supply, exhaust, and common duct functions. Currently it is available for $9.99 from the App Store, or a desktop version can be purchased for $147 directly from the ASHRAE website. This information is available from other sources and apps, 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.
