The environmental impact of fabrication of HVAC ductwork, although small in comparison to many industries, it is a significant contributor to air pollution.  If you might doubt this, visit any sheet metal shop and wipe your hand across the floor...even if the shop has a ventilation system, you will likely have a hand covered with glass fibers and soot.  Burning contributes to most processes used for cutting metal and hence, much of the environmental issues stem from this process.  New cleaner cutting methods, such as water jets, are available, but the costs associated with these low pollution methods are very costly and out of reach for almost all contractors in the HVAC industry.  

Another impact is energy from utility.  Sheet metal fabrication contributes to this in two ways; one being the energy consumed by the machinery used in the fabrication of metal and two, the costs associated with heating the space required to house a sheet metal shop.  Both the process...and the space required for the process, require energy.  KoolDuct and IFP (Insulated Foam Panel) fabrication methods do not require nearly as much energy to fabricate and the space for the processes required for production of the product is much less, hence, energy savings.  

Attached I have included (2) studies relating to experiences at Commercial Comfort Systems, Inc. in Maumee, Ohio.  In these studies, it becomes apparent why KoolDuct or IFP fabrication process are advantageous.  Reducing environmental impacts...can and does have an impact on your bottom line.  Koolduct provides advantages for the environment, your customer and your own sustainability. (SEE .pdf files below photos.)

Sheet Metal Shop Costs.pdf (113.24 kb)

 KoolDuct Shop Costs.pdf (125.32 kb)

Being a KoolDuct contractor is an environmentally conscience thing to do.  KoolDuct addresses almost all green issues…green house gas emissions, zero ozone depletion, very high R-value (exceeding the 2006 IECC energy codes), extremely air tight, low or virtually non-existent carbon footprint, and outstanding Indoor Air Quality.  A great deal of energy is required to make steel and fiberglass…as the production of these materials require heat generated by the burning of fossil fuels...prompting the question: Is there a better way? 

Not only is KoolDuct itself  "green" from it's manufacturing standpoint...but the use of it promotes considerably lower energy consumption over any air distribution system available...making it an excellent "high efficiency" product in the HVAC field. KoolDuct is truly a product that your customer is asking for as they are being better educated about global issues and rising energy costs.  If you are not using it...why?

Let me introduce myself; I am David W. Mueller Chief Operations Officer here at GoMech, Ltd. For you new to this blog, we are a provider of infrastructure for the construction of insulated foam panels. These panels are sold under name such as KoolDuct, P3 and PIR.

As with many companies, we have a mission statement that outlines our purpose for existence. Our mission statement reads as follows, “Partner with our colleagues in meeting the demand for insulated foam panel products in the HVAC industry.” In the spirit of our mission, I have initiated this blog to provide an exchange of information.

The background for this blog stems from all the information, or lack there of, surrounding insulated foam panels. What does exist is hearsay or, if you are lucky, information contained solely in the minds of experts but not traceable. That is, it’s anecdotal (not backed by empirical evidence) and not public domain. As with any poker hand every hands a winner and every hand maybe a loser. When using you are using IFP’s you are dealt a winning hand. This blog should be the information center of preserving your winning hand.

The vision for this blog is to amass a collection of IFP information, tools and best practices in relation to the use of insulated foam panels. We at GoMech want you, our partners in meeting the need for insulated foam panels, to help us construct a body of knowledge on topics surrounding IFP.