High Velocity HVAC Systems: What They Are, How They Work, and Pros & Cons

As an HVAC business owner, you know that energy efficiency concerns are important for your customers–especially for people who want to live comfortably and conveniently, whether they live in a place with cold weather or one with more sun. For many people, the kind of HVAC system they use has a significant impact on how comfortable they are in their homes when the weather is extreme.

If your customers are tired of their conventional HVAC unit not working well, a high-velocity HVAC system may be just the ticket. These systems are more energy-efficient, provide exceptional air quality, and are less obtrusive. It’s important to understand the benefits and drawbacks of high-velocity systems so you can help your customers make the best decision.

What Is a High-Velocity HVAC System?

A high velocity system is the re-engineered form of traditional HVAC systems that can facilitate a faster flow of hot or cold air into a space. According to Energy Star, 20% to 30% of the air moving through residential ductwork is usually lost through holes, leaks, and poorly connected ducts. Unsurprisingly, this accounts for a considerable loss of energy.

Did you know that small or mini-duct HC systems are a lot more efficient? Because the ducts in these HVAC systems are considerably smaller than conventional systems, there is significantly less surface area for energy loss. This new technology is also known as “small-duct” and can regulate any room temperature faster than traditional air conditioning systems because smaller interior duct space helps create a faster airflow.

Like any regulated temperature management system in a living room or space, a high-velocity HVAC system is used for monitoring. Also, these systems continually allow the flow of hot and cold air in and out of living space to control temperature levels.

Traditional, low-velocity HVAC systems detect temperatures and gradually use diffusion to draw air from the vents. Using a process called aspiration, they create air currents that continually re-adjust the room temperature to match the desired temperature.

High-velocity HVAC systems also have considerably smaller air handlers. This makes it easier to fit them into tight spaces in any building. Because of their small ducts as well as insulated tubing, high-velocity HVAC systems are highly energy-efficient as well.

How Do High Velocity HVAC Systems Work?

In principle, high-velocity HVAC systems work in almost the same way as most traditional HVAC systems. A heat pump or compressor located outside the building supplies the heated or cool air, which moves through an efficient duct system to all rooms in a home.

However, this is where the similarities end. High-velocity HVAC systems rely on compact tubing to deliver conditioned air to various parts of the home. Keep in mind that this tubing is quite flexible and about two inches wide while the vents are five inches in diameter. (Traditional ductwork is considerably wider.)

A high-velocity HVAC system operates quite similarly to a showerhead. Irrespective of the water pressure in the pipes, note that the showerhead’s small holes help produce a high-velocity and high-pressure stream of water.

These ac systems have a unique feature that allows them to throw air with very high pressure. As a result, the circulation of air increases several times compared to conventional HVAC systems.

High-velocity HVAC systems are also usually 50% smaller than conventional duct systems. (This is why they have to use a high-velocity system to produce the same output.) Note that the high-velocity air handler will pump the hot or cool air under high pressure to the vents. This is why your customers can cool or heat their homes much faster if they have a high velocity system.

Benefits of High-Velocity HVAC Systems

In addition to the higher pressure and smaller ducts, high-velocity HVAC systems have many benefits that help people to live more comfortably on the day-to-day. Here are just a few.

1. Ease of Installation

High-velocity systems are easier to install in older homes with no existing AC system. Keep in mind that at only two inches wide, the ducts in these units are much easier to retrofit compared to the standard eight-inch HVAC ducts.

These miniature ducts can also run below floors, inside walls, and in many other tight spaces. All units in a high-velocity system are versatile and flexible enough to be easily installed in any place, even closets, attics, and basements.

2. Excellent Humidity Removal

Because of the high pressure of the air that comes out of the outlets in most high-velocity HVAC systems, it is possible to reduce the humidity level by 30%. This helps your customers to keep their homes dry and comfortable while protecting their belongings from mold and other types of humidity damage.

3. Improved Aesthetics

And it’s not just the efficiency–they look better too. The smaller vents of high-velocity systems are less noticeable and can be easily tucked away out of sight, helping your customers maintain an uninterrupted aesthetic in their living spaces.

4. Quiet Operation

There is no doubt that noise pollution is a significant issue with some small units, especially window units. While large, low-velocity HVAC units can also be quite noisy, small, high velocity units can be optimized to run quietly. Did you know that the mini ducts in these systems are individually insulated to reduce noise? There is no need for your customers to turn up the TV volume when a high-quality high-velocity HVAC unit is running.

5. Suitable for New Homes That Have Radiant Floor Heating

The last thing new homes with radiant floor heating need is bulky heating ductwork. As a result, the smaller high-velocity systems are an excellent cooling option.

6. More Efficient Cooling

As their name suggests, a high-velocity system typically makes a room colder faster and uses half the airflow to achieve this. As we mentioned, it removes about 30% more moisture than traditional systems, a compelling selling point in humid and hot climates where humidity can increase heat perception.

7. Even Temperatures

Perhaps the greatest advantage is that your customers will enjoy even temperatures in each room due to the efficient circulation system as well as high-velocity air. Mini ducts in the system allow the air to enter the space with four times more pressure, so the room temperature is consistently managed.

High-Velocity HVAC System Drawbacks

While more efficient cooling and easier installation seem like a no-brainer, there are some drawbacks you should know about as well.

1. Limited Cooling Capacity

Compared to forced-air HVAC systems, high-velocity systems have to work harder to cool large spaces or spaces with high heat loads. In situations like these, high-velocity systems might need to run continuously, which can lead to higher energy bills.

2. Noise

Because of the higher velocity of air passing through small ducts and vents, high-velocity systems typically produce more noise than traditional HVAC systems.

3. High Cost

When it comes to installing high-velocity systems, estimating the cost before you begin can be a challenge. Finding the optimum pathways around blockages, wires, or piping, and acquiring the required specialized equipment (smaller flexible ducts and high-velocity air handlers), can all contribute to higher costs.

What Is the Cost of a High-Velocity Air Conditioning System for Your Customers?

As you know, high-velocity systems require special ductwork. As a result, their installation costs are usually higher than traditional heating and cooling systems. However, keep in mind that high-velocity HVAC systems are an excellent choice in many homes over the long run due to their capacity to increase energy efficiency. A high-velocity unit cost can vary from $1800 to $2900, while installation costs are between $350 and $500.

Several factors affect the total cost of a high-velocity HVAC system:

• In many cases, rural installation is much more affordable than the same service in a larger city.
• The number of units and size affect the total cost.
• Noise level and quality of the system play a role.
• Time of year or weather can affect labor costs.

For new construction, high installation costs might be mitigated. (This is particularly true if you consider the significantly lower costs of maintenance and utility.)

Also, it is worth noting that high-velocity systems experience 25% less leakage in the air ducts compared to conventional HVAC systems. This means better utility, less energy consumption, and more efficiency.

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High Velocity HVAC FAQs

Have more questions? We’ve got answers.

Q: Are high-velocity HVAC systems more expensive?

A: Because of the specialized equipment required, this air conditioner typically costs more upfront. But if installed correctly, it should increase your energy savings over the long run. As we noted, this type of system can be installed cheaper in new construction.

Q: What size are high-velocity HVAC systems?

A: A high-velocity ac system uses tubes much smaller than traditional systems. The round, circular vents they use have a small diameter, typically less than half the size of the traditional rectangular metal vents.