High-Velocity HVAC System: Pros and Cons
By: John Garcia | Date Posted: October 1, 2021
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One of the hottest topics in residential and commercial HVAC is the high-velocity system. More and more companies are offering it as an upgrade, and you can find many units that can be installed into existing homes or businesses with this type of system.
High-velocity systems use an HVAC unit that sends hot air down a number of metal tubes through your walls to other rooms in your home or office. The air is sent through very small openings, which gives it velocity. High-velocity air movement cools the hot air quickly and then circulates it throughout your home or office.
The Velocity Wall Fan technology developed by Comfortmaker has been incorporated into the systems to provide you with the most comfortable temperature possible in each room of your home or office. This standard can be found in all units that are considered “high speed” by the company.
Despite its popularity, this type of system does have issues that consumers should be aware of before opting for one as a replacement or upgrade for their existing HVAC unit. The following list discusses some pros and cons associated with high-velocity HVAC:
High-Velocity HVAC Pros and Cons
Cost-effectiveness (Pro)
High-velocity HVAC systems are an affordable way to save money on your air conditioning costs. The technology allows you to cool down your home or office more efficiently, which saves you money. This type of system does not require any ductwork located within the walls, which also eliminates the expense of installation and maintenance. Therefore, when looking for a low-cost option to cool your home, high velocity is recommended.
However, the initial cost to purchase the system will be more expensive than other types of HVAC systems. In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from three to five times more for a high-velocity unit. This means that if you have a two thousand-square-foot home, it could cost between 5 and 8 thousand dollars to install a high-velocity system.
If you do not plan on completing any upgrades or renovations in your space within the next ten years, this type of system may make sense for you. It is an investment worthy of looking into if you want to save money on heating and cooling costs over time due to its long lifespan.
Safety (Con)
High-velocity HVAC systems can be dangerous if not installed properly by a professional contractor. Due to the high-velocity system’s design, there is no way for humidity levels to escape out of your space when running this type of HVAC. The main problem here is condensation that builds up in the tubes over time which poses safety risks due to mold/mildew growth within your walls. You should have someone check these tubes regularly for dirt and debris build-up in order to keep them properly.
Maintenance (Con)
This type of system requires nearly no maintenance during its lifespan. However, some consumers suggest that moving high-velocity units around in your space could cause some damage because they are so heavy and hard to lift/carry on your own.
If you decide that this HVAC system is right for you, be sure not to move it around your home or office after you install it. If you do need to change its location, make sure that two people are in the building when doing so to prevent any unnecessary damage.
Faster cooling and heating (Pro)
If the speed at which this type of HVAC system cools or heats your space is an important factor, then this system will be a good fit for your needs. One of the best benefits to have in mind when considering HVAC systems is that they cool and heat your home or office more quickly. This means that you will not have to wait as long when turning on or using your system to reach a comfortable temperature. There are no cold spots with this system since it distributes air evenly throughout all areas of your home/office.
The temperature can be adjusted at any time to meet your current needs. Therefore, if you feel hot or cold in one room, you can adjust the temperature without having to walk around your space to find the best comfort level for you.
Fewer repairs (Pro)
High-velocity HVAC systems are less likely to require repairs because they do not include any moving parts. This type of unit does not have a blower or motor inside, which is the main culprit behind most other AC failures. Therefore, if you experience problems with your system it will most likely be due to the tubes becoming dirty over time and causing poor air circulation throughout your home/office. When this happens, it is recommended that you clean them out regularly to prevent further issues from occurring within your high-velocity system.
Can be noisy (Con)
This type of HVAC system can sometimes be extremely loud when in use. Some consumers report that the high-velocity unit sounds like a wind tunnel while it is running, which makes conversations difficult to have and can cause distractions for others in your home or office. However, there are many models available with different features which help reduce noise levels within a space. Make sure to research these options before choosing a high-velocity system for you so you know what to expect once it is installed into your building.
Less comfortable in larger rooms (Con)
This type of HVAC system is not recommended for larger rooms. With high-velocity systems, many individual tubes distribute air throughout your entire building. Therefore, if you have a large space it will require more than one unit to reach all areas effectively. Installing multiple units within your space can cause the noise levels to become higher which poses problems for some homeowners/office managers. Also, the humidity build-up may become a problem in larger rooms, which can cause further discomfort to those within your space.
High-Velocity HVAC Improvements
Are improvements being made with this type of technology? The answer appears to be yes. For example, some companies have reduced noise levels by providing insulation around the metal tubes that carry hot air throughout your home or office. They have also made these systems more efficient by making them better able to heat and cool at the same time. The current models available on the market today are also much less noisy than older models which is great news for consumers!
In conclusion, this type of HVAC system provides many great benefits to those using it. However, like all other systems on the market today, there are a few negative factors as well. The key is to research high-velocity cooling and heating technologies before you decide if this type of system is right for your home or office space. Having in mind all factors mentioned above will surely ease your decision process.
Thank you for reading!
