Jeff Boldt, Principal and Director of Engineering for KJWW Engineering Consultants, was ticking off the benefits of well-designed duct systems for making buildings operate efficiently: Shorter duct paths equal less volume of ductwork equals lower costs. Less ductwork can also mean higher average ceilings. Direct duct paths (fewer turns) means fans use less power, which helps with energy compliance and minimizes noise complaints. In the same breath, he lamented the "horrendous examples" of inefficient duct installations he still sees in peer reviews. He blames engineers for not convincing architects to position mechanical rooms more advantageously. "Sometimes I think engineers should have to take a sales class in college," he says. "It's not enough to know that it's the right thing for a building. You must be able to explain why."
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