What Role Does a Plenum Play in HVAC Systems?

Extreme temperatures can make a home a very uncomfortable place to live in. For instance, extremely low temperatures during winter can make it hard for one to enjoy the indoors. In summer, extremely high temperatures can make staying indoors an impossibility. As a result, many homes have an HVAC system for heating and cooling. These heating and cooling systems use air that flows through extensive ductwork to keep the home comfortable. However, something else ensures that the required airflow is achieved in the ductwork and the HVAC system, and that thing is the plenum.

A plenum in HVAC is a box in the building structure that connects to the HVAC system. The plenum plays a critical function: it brings in, distributes, or removes air. The plenum box in HVAC pushes air into the ductwork, distributing it evenly throughout the system. When it is time to remove that air, the plenum removes it. The plenum in HVAC helps improve air quality and reduce energy costs.

An HVAC system has two types of plenums, with each plenum playing a unique role.

A supply plenum in an HVAC system is a box that distributes fresh air into a building while also exhausting unclean air. It facilitates the exchange of fresh air and exhaust air in controlled, efficient air. Simply put, the supply plenum receives either cool or warm air from the HVAC system and distributes that air across all the spaces where it is needed.

The return plenum in the HVAC returns filtered and air-conditioned air back into the air conditioning system. When the air conditioning system has done its work, it sends that air to the return plenum through return vents, where it is heated or cooled before it returns for distribution. The return plenum is usually fitted with a filter to ensure that the air that gets returned back into the system is clean and safe.

Professional installation of your HVAC system, including the plenum, is crucial for ensuring efficient heating and cooling, improved air quality, minimized airflow issues, and extended system longevity. At Jackson Mechanical Service, we specialize in commercial HVAC repair in Oklahoma City. We can guide you in selecting and installing the best HVAC system and plenums for your needs.