New Construction
New construction and remodeling projects offer the opportunity to deploy the best and most impressive venting options. Typically in these situations will focus on 'venting' (removing air from a system) where 'cooling' is more about protecting individual components.
The main advantage to considering and roughing in for cooling during construction is because you will not have to consider options and systems later. You will have a plan and have the ducting in place simply ready for a fairly quick and easy install which is really the same concept as pre-wiring... Now if the cabinetry can be easily equipped during gear installation then it may be preferable to go with more conventional venting options.
Important Considerations During New Construction
With the following, venting is very difficult once construction is completed so pre-planning can save a lot of time and effort later.
- Built-in/Recessed Cabinetry
- Projector Enclosures
- Recessed Displays
- Equipment Closets
- Wine Coolers
- Drying Racks
Ducting. With new construction we're basically talking about running ducting prior to drywall being installed so basically ducting would be run from the cabinet/system/area to vent to the most logical area to vent to, typically either the HVAC return vent or other area to then be reprocessed by the HVAC system.
Fan Type. With this approach have to consider the fan type and there will be two options.
Inline Duct Fans. Ducting is run to where can then use a remote Inline Duct Fan (IDF) which this would typically mean there is attic space or a utility/equipment closet close to the area being venting (typically within 15-20'). Ducting would be run to behind the cabinet and to a duct box and then to the fan unit and then ducted to the HVAC return vent or other area.Local Fan Unit. The other option is to still use ducting for exhausting the hot air but use a local fan and as an example, run 3" ducting to a duct box that will be behind a cabinet and then use a HiFlo or HiFlo Lite Pro inside the cabinet to exhaust the hot air.