What you may not know about SDHV Heating and Air Conditioning Systems

SDHV Systems, commonly referred to as Small Duct High Velocity Systems, have been around since the 1950's. They were marketed as "Jet Heat" and "Jet Cool" because they were conceived by an Aerospace Engineer. This reference later changed Small Duct High Velocity in the 1960's.

The early appeal of SDHV systems was that the air handlers, primary and secondary duct systems were nearly half the size of conventionally ducted systems. SDHV Systems were often the only option available when Air Conditioning was to be added to an existing home. SDHV Systems became known by HVAC Installers as the "Retrofit System". The science was young and not yet understood.

During "Boom Years" of construction, as opportunities for air conditioning rose dramatically, inexperienced or unscrupulous installers that provided homeowners this type of equipment at times resulted in less than optimum outcomes.

One of the problems which resulted was turbulence at the supply outlets due to improper secondary duct installation. This created "airflow noise". Unfortunately, since the equipment had "High Velocity" in the name, the excuse for improperly installed and noisy systems by the installer was "you bought a High Velocity System, they are noisier than other systems". It was truly unfortunate.

All heating and cooling systems make noise. Noise is relative and subject to the sensitivity of the homeowner. A person living in a home heated with a steam boiler and cast iron radiators or a hot water boiler with baseboard radiators may find the clicking and knocking in their heating systems a source of psychological comfort that they will be warm and comfortable. Radiant Heat is the quietest system but also the highest cost per square foot. SDHV is the second most comfortable and quiet heating behind Radiant and it comes as a small add on cost to a SDHV System providing the most comfortable and efficient cooling available.

We believe that the term "High Velocity" should be changed. Since these systems move half the air volume of conventional forced air systems but four times as fast, they create twice the air flow and four times the conditioning and filtering of conventionally ducted systems, we prefer to call them SMALL DUCT HIGH VOLUME SYSTEMS.

Properly designed and installed SDHV Systems are comparably quiet when compared to other heating and cooling options (and even quieter than Kitchen Appliances and Quiet Bath Fans). See our "Installation Instructions" for more information.

Federal studies support the statement that Small Duct High Volume Systems provide the most efficient and comfortable air conditioning, the second most comfortable heating (at a much lower cost than Radiant, the most comfortable) and they are healthier and more comfortable than other forced air options. Email us for the supporting data.

Because of the inherent efficiency of SDHV Systems, Energy Regulatory Agencies allow for the installation of collateral equipment like Condensers and Heat Pumps with lower SEER Ratings. Email us for the supporting data.

LSO Design Components were created for designers and are only compatible with SDHV Systems. LSO Design Components are Patent Pending. They are best looking interior design elements designed exclusively for SDHV Systems. We have "active" (air supply) and "passive" (decorative) components that can incorporate LED lighting systems into an overall design.