The goal of having an HVAC system is to deliver ample airflow to a specific space, like your house or office. Ideally, your system will do this consistently in high or low temperatures for a long period of time without any issues. It’s why your HVAC system needs a plenum.
But what is a plenum in an HVAC system? Do all HVAC systems need this equipment to function properly? Are there benefits of adding a plenum to an HVAC?
Read on and get all the answers you need.
What is a Plenum, and Where Would I Find One?
Perhaps you’ve heard your HVAC expert speak about a plenum box or come across it online. A plenum box is a piece of equipment in your AC, installed where you have the heat exchanger or motor fan. The HVAC expert will add the plenum box on either side of one of these parts.
The role of a plenum box in an HVAC system is better airflow. It brings in, distributes, and gets rid of air within your home space. Once the HVAC system heats or cools the air, the next stop is the plenum box. This is also where air from the house goes through before being expelled.
Using plenum boxes in your HVAC ensures you get the right amount of airflow in your home. Its role is to push air into the ductwork and remove it when it’s time to do so. Apart from residential use, a plenum box also works in large properties with commercial HVACs.
Plenum boxes are available in HVAC stores, and you can always speak with your HVAC expert when you want to purchase and install them in your HVAC.
Are there Different Types of Plenum Boxes?
We can proceed to different types now that you know what a plenum HVAC box is. Generally, there are 2 types of plenum boxes in the market. These include:
1. Supply Plenum
A supply plenum does exactly what you might expect – it supplies fresh air that’s cooled or heated through the ductwork into your home. This means the role of the supply plenum is to distribute fresh air into your home, depending on the thermostat settings.
The supply plenum is in charge of receiving the cool or hot air. Once that happens, it will work to deliver it to the different rooms in your home or building. These plenum boxes go on either side of a heat exchanger or the motor fan.
However, some supply plenum boxes go outside the HVAC system. If you want to identify a plenum box, look for a box made using aluminum, iron, or steel.
2. Return Plenum
The next type of plenum box is the return plenum. Its role is to return air that the HVAC system will expel. The return plenum works with the return vents to gather air for heating or cooling. After that, it will redistribute it for ample airflow.
Usually, a return plenum will include an air filter. This is crucial because you need the air quality in your home to remain safe and clean. It’s the second stop for air, and it connects with the return vent for your HVAC system.
The cool or hot air passes through the return plenum for redistribution through the ductwork. This can happen each day for better indoor comfort.
What Are the Benefits of Adding Plenum Boxes to an HVAC system?
Is there any benefit to adding a plenum box to an HVAC system? Certainly yes!
Some of these benefits include:
1. Fantastic Airflow
The whole purpose of having an HVAC system in your home is to enjoy indoor comfort. With ample airflow, you can enjoy being cozy and comfortable. Adding plenum boxes to your HVAC system ensures you always enjoy fantastic airflow.
Plenum boxes will improve airflow to your home or building. Better airflow makes such spaces comfortable depending on whether you want cool or hot air.
2. Noise Reduction
Another reason for adding plenum boxes to your HVAC is noise reduction. As air flows through your system, it’s the role of the plenum box to ensure it does so quietly. This means you can enjoy ample airflow without high noise levels in different spaces.
So, you can consider adding plenum boxes if you have noise-sensitive areas in your space. This will ensure sufficient airflow without worrying about noise levels.
3. Better Air Filtration
Small particles can lead to blockages and other issues with your ductwork. However, when you add plenum boxes, there’s better air filtration to remove these particles.
These boxes will ensure that dirt and other debris don’t get into your HVAC system. It saves you from having problems with ductwork and paying for frequent duct cleaning.
Are there Risks Associated with Installing Plenum Boxes in HVACs?
There are several benefits of using plenum boxes in an HVAC system. That’s given! But, there are also risks that you need to consider. Among the top issues, you might encounter is a blockage due to dirt and debris in the air filter.
When a blockage happens, it can affect the efficiency of your HVAC system. Therefore, always change the air filter once or twice a month. Also, have an HVAC expert service the system to ensure it’s in good working condition.
Another risk worth noting is poor installation. HVAC systems are sensitive, and it’s always better to leave any work to the professionals. If you don’t install the plenum boxes the right way, enjoying the benefits is not possible.
Also, any damage to the plenum boxes will affect your HVAC system. So, ensure you work with an HVAC expert when installing plenum boxes to your HVAC. Proper installation and consistent maintenance are key to a good HVAC experience.
Final Takeaway
A plenum box comes in handy when you want to enjoy better airflow in your home or building. Its role is better distribution of cool or hot air to improve indoor comfort. The HVAC expert will install two of them into your system when you opt for plenum boxes.
After proper installation, you can enjoy fantastic airflow in your home. Other benefits of plenum boxes are noise reduction and better air filtration to remove dirt and debris. Seminararbeit schreiben lassen helped me write and edit the text.
