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April 2022 #14273 Page #132
The Last Word on Rheia HVAC Systems Joe Kannapell, P.E.
loor trusses work better than I-Joists when accommodating the new Rheia (ree’ uh) air distribution system being developed by eight leading national builders. As with trusses, skilled designers craft Rheia layouts and produce design calcs required by building departments. And builders and homeowners benefit from lower installation and energy costs resulting from the use of only 12 highly efficient connectors and 3” flexible duct. In short, Rheia is one of the best things that has happened to trusses.
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Pulte began testing Rheia in Florida in May 2020 and has since installed systems in both truss and I-joist framing. There is no noticeable external difference from conventionally ducted systems, except for an increased number of wall and ceiling registers. These additional supply points are unobtrusive and actually provide a more uniform air distribution. Because all ducts are contained within conditioned spaces, HVAC units may be downsized. And Rheia uses conventional residential units unlike high velocity small duct retrofitted systems.
In floor truss systems, the ducts can be run diagonally anywhere along the length of the truss. This saves duct material, but most importantly it reduces HVAC tonnage requirements, as do the more gradual bends in ducts shown here. Although 24” duct chases were provided on this project, chases are not needed with Rheia, and configurations can be designed with more standard web members. Strong backs are more likely to remain intact, since ducts may be run over or under them, resulting in improved floor system performance. Note also that K-webs were used here, but warren webs would work just as well. Continued next page
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