Durable elbow support

A durable elbow support manufactured by FlexRight.

A durable elbow support is an accessory product used in the commercial and residential HVAC industry to shape flexible ducts into efficient 90-degree bends. It is also sometimes defined as a "radius forming brace." [1] Where HVAC ducts need to bend or turn, the elbow creates a sturdy 90-degree angle and keeps the duct from kinking or folding, thereby increasing energy efficiency. This can improve consistency of temperature in rooms that are heated and air conditioned, lower the cost of utility bills, and reduce energy consumption. Durable elbow supports can be installed on both new and existing HVAC systems. Manufactured and marketed under several brands, the durable elbow support is often specified by mechanical engineers and widely recommended by environmental agencies because it has been proven to improve energy efficiency.

Environmental Impact

This computer assisted design illustration shows how the durable elbow support fits into a typical HVAC system.

Because the durable elbow support improves efficiency of HVAC systems, it is recommended by the United States Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification program, earning one EA credit for optimizing energy performance and four MR credits for recycled content.[2] LEED also lists the durable elbow support on its GreenSpec list.[3]

An article by Chris Van Rite of M & M Manufacturing notes that, while federal standards for HVAC efficiency have raised the standard of overall performance, they do not specifically address duct work which has declined in quality because of budgetary corner cutting. Van Rite notes that air flow, however, is critical to the efficiency of HVAC operations and that most building codes fail to inspect for it. His article recommends durable elbow support as part of HVAC systems.[4]

Installing durable elbow supports are recommended in several energy guides co-authored by the United States Department of Energy, the United States Green Building Council, and the American Institute of Architects.[5][6][7] In recommending the durable elbow support, the University of Vermont's Product Insider notes that HVAC systems account for 40 to 60 percent of energy consumed by both commercial and residential buildings in the United States. The Product Insider also says that "Restricted airflow causes air handlers, furnaces, and A/C units to run longer cycles wasting and consuming excessive amounts of energy."[8]

Awards and Recommendations

Illustration of the durable elbow support.

A durable elbow support was the Air Conditioning/Heating/Refrigeration News silver winner in 2009. In explaining the award, Cherie Preville writes that the winning products in the sixth annual Dealer Design Awards aid HVAC equipment and systems in performing the work better and in some cases more energy efficiently, too. They also help the installing and servicing technicians work more efficiently by making installation and service and maintenance work quicker and easier.[1]

Durable elbow supports help meet the standards and guidelines for flexible duct installation of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association and the Air Diffusion Council. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers ASHRAE recommends the use of durable elbow supports as the preferred installation method regarding flexible ducts on page 21.7 of the 2013 ASHRAE Handbook.[1] Durable elbow supports can be made with recycled materials to further minimize negative environmental impacts of new construction and renovation projects.[9]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Preville, Cherie (13 July 2009). "Helping Products and Techs Work Efficiently". The Air Conditioning/Heating/Refrigeration News. Retrieved 15 March 2014.
  2. ↑ "FlexRight - Durable Elbow Support". Rate It Green. 2012. Retrieved 15 March 2014.
  3. ↑ Greenbook Sustainable Product and Resource Guide. EDC.
  4. ↑ Van Rite, Chris. "Airflow Is Critical to HVAC Systems". Retrieved 15 March 2014.
  5. ↑ Torcellini, Paul (2008). Advanced Energy Design Guide for K-12 School Buildings. American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers. p. 142.
  6. ↑ Advanced Energy Design Guide for Small to Medium Office Buildings. American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers. 2011. p. 178.
  7. ↑ McBride, Merle (2006). Advanced Energy Design Guide for Small Retail Buildings. American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers. p. 85.
  8. ↑ "HVAC New Product Review". Web. University of Vermont. Retrieved 15 March 2014.
  9. ↑ "FlexRight Frequently Asked Questions". Web. FlexRight. Retrieved 16 March 2014.