It’s no secret among HVACR contractors that their average customer’s ductwork is inefficient, dirty, and often defective. That’s why Duct Dynasty columnist David Richardson, a former HVAC contractor who now serves as a curriculum developer and trainer at the National Comfort Institute (NCI), spends much of his time teaching contractors about duct renovation — a method used by progressive contractors to repair ailing duct systems. The repairs are guided by diagnostic testing using instruments such as a manometer, magnehelic gauge, infrared thermometer, air flow hood, smoke puffer, and more to determine system pressure — much like how a doctor checks blood pressure. In a nutshell, the renovation identifies which portions of the system need work and which don’t.
“It basically takes lemons and turns them into lemonade,” Richardson explained. “The workmanship [on ductwork] is very substandard, so this actually gives contractors a way to increase net profits by fixing issues created by other contractors.”