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Drop ceilings make any room look really nice and complete. But the ductwork needs to be attached properly for optimum air conditioning.
Leaving the ductwork without extending the drop ceiling will result in bad airflow. Leading to poor airflow.
So to do that, you need to know how to extend ductwork to drop ceiling.
Firstly the right measurement of the vent and ducts are taken. The measurements need to be marked on the panel of the drop ceiling. And then cut accordingly. Install the vent cover in the hole and attach the duct to the vent using flexible vent pipes. Reinstall the panel and you’re good to go!
And that’s a brief summary of how to do it. But to get the job done easily, you need more information. And that’s what the article is for.
So without any delay, let’s get right into it!
Why Is Drop Ceiling Necessary?
In HVAC installations, ductwork is really important. It allows you to connect your full house to the HVAC system. And distribute the cold or hot air properly.
There are quite a few ways to lay ductwork. The easiest is to install ductworks and leave them open. But that could hurt the room’s aesthetics. Because they aren’t the most pretty thing to see in a room.
And to tackle this problem, enter drop ceiling. They sure do complicate the ductwork laying work. But the finished rooms with dropped ceiling ductwork are totally worth the extra work.
Basically, after laying the ductwork, you apply a fake wall made out of light materials. But you need to attach the ductwork to the drop ceiling. To ensure the air gets properly into the room.
And that is why this guide is here for you. We will show you how you can extend your ductwork to the drop ceiling. And it’ll be in a step-by-step manner so that you can easily follow it.
So, let’s get right into it!
Extending the Ductwork One Step At A Time
The whole process can be segmented into small steps. This makes the work a whole lot easier.
There are measurements and cutting. Followed by fitting and attaching. And you also need to get the right parts to get the job done. Getting a suspended ceiling duct kit makes the job much easier.
The measurement of the duct needs to be done carefully. You must be mindful when purchasing ducts too. Because different ACs need different size ducts. And it’s better to be careful beforehand than another trip to the store to change it.
Now let’s arrange the steps and see what you have to do.
Measuring the Duct and Vent
To create the passage through the drop ceiling, you need to attach the vent to the drop ceiling. Now how to install vent in drop ceiling?
You need to measure your duct and vent cover. You have to install the vent on the ceiling panel. And then attach the duct behind the panel to the vent cover.
You need to measure the dimension of the vent cover without the flanges. Because the flanges press on the wall while the rest of the vent gets in.
You must not cut the whole measuring with flanges added. Because then the vent cover will go right through the hole.
Cutting the panel
Choose the specific panel you want to extend your ductwork to. Remove it from the ceiling and mark the measurements taken from the vent cover. Remember to alight the mark with the center of the board. Or it will not look pleasant.
Take a utility knife and cut carefully according to the mark. Press the vent cover in and secure it.
Securing the vent cover may vary from brand to brand. You can attach them with butterfly clips, screws, or spring tension catches. Do according to what your specific vent cover tells you to do.
And that’s how you extend vent for drop ceiling. You’re halfway done with your drop ceiling ductwork.
Attaching the Duct
Now that you’ve followed how to install vent in drop ceiling, now it’s time to attach the ductwork with it.
Take a flexible vent pipe. Cut them according to the desired size. Attach one side to the vent that you have.
Attach the other end to the vent cover you attached to the panel. You can use U-shaped ducts too. But in that case, you have to carefully do the measurement.
Because that duct can’t be bent or extended. Dropped ceiling air vent adjustable ones are really easy to work with.
And a mistake in measurement could cause the duct to not fit perfectly and leak. A leak will cause the air conditioner to work extra. To get the best results, the main goal is to reduce energy loss in ducts.
So it’s wise to use flexible vent pipes. You can get them in most hardware stores near you.
You can now attach the extended duct. You can use strong glue or duct tape. Duct tapes are the better option for easy fixing and better control over sealing.
Finishing Up
Reattach the panel to its place in the ceiling. Now you will have access to air conditioning in your room. And it will look really neat.
That’s it! The process is really easy and doesn’t take many tools to work too. You can just start right now and can be done pretty fast.
Few Tips To Keep In Mind
Many people prefer to finish the ductwork beforehand. Then you need to know how to install a drop ceiling around ductwork.
Also, be strategic when placing the vent. Many people tend to place the AC vent near a ceiling fan, but it doesn’t help a bit.
Round ducts are more efficient than the soiree ones. They handle pressure well due to their shape. They also have the smallest surface area.
And if you can get insulated ductwork, it will be really efficient. Because it will not let heat radiate, so the AC will be able to work more efficiently.
So what are you waiting for! Start improving your home for the better!
FAQs
Do Undersized Ductwork Affect HVAC Systems?
Yes, they do. Undersized ductworks increase the static pressure. Also, they create noticeably louder noise. They also overheat the whole system. So if your ductwork is undersized you should change it immediately. Because it might cause damage to your air conditioning system.
Do Fans Help Air Conditioners To Cool More Efficiently?
No, they don’t. Many people tend to think that fans help air conditioners cool better. But in reality, the fan just circulates the air inside the room. It has no positive effect on the air conditioner. On the other hand, the heat from the running fan could add more heat to the room.
Are Insulating Ductworks Better And More Efficient Than Regular Ducts?
Yes, insulating ducts are more efficient than regular ducts. Because insulated ducts reduce the loss of heat through radiation. That allows the air conditioner to work less to cool down the air. Also, round insulated ducts are more economical due to their less surface area and less friction.
Wrapping Up
There you go, your detailed and step-by-step guide on how to extend ductwork to drop ceiling. Following these steps should be easy. And now you can go for a cleaner look in your room with proper air conditioning.
Keep improving your home. We’ll see you soon!
HVAC tech with over 30 years of experience. Retired and doing repair work on the side around Madison County, AL.