Get the design right before the concrete is poured
A new build or major renovation is the ideal moment to have heating and cooling designed properly, preferably at the architect and planning stage. Once the concrete is poured, the framing is up and the roof is on, external capping and pipe routes become harder to resolve, outdoor units end up squeezed into awkward positions and rooms never quite reach temperature.
Abode's in-house mechanical engineering expertise calculates heat loss and airflow loads room by room, then produce a concept plan showing where outdoor units, diffusers and ductwork will sit. Before installation begins, you'll know exactly where the indoor units, outdoor units, ductwork and grilles will be positioned, giving you confidence there won't be surprises once construction is underway.
To arrange a no-obligation site visit, get in touch via the Contact form.
Abode's in-house mechanical engineering expertise calculates heat loss and airflow loads room by room, then produce a concept plan showing where outdoor units, diffusers and ductwork will sit. Before installation begins, you'll know exactly where the indoor units, outdoor units, ductwork and grilles will be positioned, giving you confidence there won't be surprises once construction is underway.
To arrange a no-obligation site visit, get in touch via the Contact form.
HVAC Design - Overview:
Residential HVAC system design and air conditioning design for new builds, renovations and commercial fit-outs across the Greater Wellington region, covering heat pump sizing, custom HVAC ductwork layouts and mechanical engineering HVAC design.
- Room-by-room heat loss calculations covering insulation, glazing, orientation and ceiling height
- In-house mechanical engineering HVAC design rather than outsourced consultant drawings
- On-site airflow balancing with an anemometer and adjustable manual dampers
- Zone control via motorised dampers, Cat 5 wiring and Bluetooth room sensors
- Drawn concept plans showing unit locations, diffusers, return grilles and duct routes
- Ducted, multi-split or high-wall systems recommended to suit your home's layout
Residential HVAC system design that gets airflow, sizing and ductwork right first time
- Custom air conditioning design shaped around your space and how you live in it
- In-house mechanical engineering with precise heat pump sizing calculations
- Custom HVAC ductwork planned and drawn up before installation begins
Residential HVAC system design across the Greater Wellington region, including Hutt Valley, Porirua, Kapiti, Levin and Masterton.
Engineering-led design backed by 40 years of mechanical engineering
Abode's main point of difference is in-house mechanical engineering. Founder Alan Strawbridge has 40 years' experience as a mechanical engineer, providing design support on residential and commercial projects.
Standard design work stays in-house rather than going to outside consultants, so every decision follows calculations, not installer guesswork.
Heat loss for each space is worked out from:
Standard design work stays in-house rather than going to outside consultants, so every decision follows calculations, not installer guesswork.
Heat loss for each space is worked out from:
- Room size and volume
- Distance heat travels across the property
- Insulation levels
- Single or double glazing
- Aluminium joinery and airtightness
- Orientation and ceiling height
The result is a system designed specifically for the building, helping deliver better comfort and lower running costs throughout its life. Correct heat pump selection, placement and pipe runs follow directly from this.
Precise sizing and airflow for consistent comfort
Good HVAC design starts with accurate calculations. Abode determines the heating and cooling requirements for every room before designing the ductwork and airflow to deliver even, comfortable temperatures throughout the home.
Every ducted system is then balanced on site using specialist equipment, ensuring airflow is distributed correctly and the system performs as it was designed. Optional zone control allows different areas of the home to be managed independently without compromising overall performance.
Concept plans that remove costly surprises
Once your quote is accepted, Abode prepares a detailed concept plan showing how your heating and cooling system will be installed. This includes the location of indoor and outdoor units, ductwork, grilles and other key components, giving you confidence that everything has been carefully planned before work begins.
The design process also confirms whether a ducted, multi-split or ventilation system is the best solution for your home, helping avoid costly changes during installation.
Once approved, your project moves seamlessly into installation, with work completed by Abode's in-house team and every installation receiving a Code of Compliance certificate where required.
Installation planned to minimise disruption
Commercial HVAC projects are carefully planned to minimise disruption to your business or construction programme. Abode works alongside your project manager, builder or other trades to coordinate installation and keep your project running smoothly.
Where required, work can be scheduled outside normal business hours, during school holidays or completed in stages to suit occupied buildings such as hotels, offices and apartment complexes.
All electrical work is completed by Abode's qualified in-house electricians, and every installation includes a Code of Compliance certificate where required.
Correct heat pump sizing starts with a full heat loss calculation for each room, taking into account insulation, glazing, ceiling height, orientation and air changes. The space is measured, the kilowatt output required is calculated, then a unit is matched to that figure.
Guessing by floor area alone is how homeowners end up with units that never quite perform.
Custom HVAC ductwork design involves calculating airflow velocity, litres per second and cubic metres per room, then planning duct runs, grille positions and return air paths to suit the building.
Once installed, the system is balanced on site with an anemometer at each outlet, so every room receives the airflow it was designed for.
For ducted systems, larger homes and more complex heating and cooling projects, mechanical engineering helps ensure the system performs as intended.
Founder Alan is a mechanical engineer with 40 years of experience and provides design support on residential and commercial projects, from ducted homes to VRV/VRF fit-outs and chillers.
Yes, provided there's enough roof or underfloor space for the ducting. During a site visit, Abode assesses your home's layout and recommends whether a ducted, multi-split or high-wall system is the best fit.
For a straightforward residential air conditioning design, expect a site visit, heat loss calculation and written proposal within one to two weeks. Ducted homes and commercial projects take longer, as drawings, equipment selection and ductwork layouts are prepared.
Complex fit-outs may involve coordination with architects, builders and electricians before final sign-off.
HVAC Design - Summary:
- What: Engineering-led residential HVAC system design and commercial HVAC system design covering heat pump sizing, air conditioning design, custom HVAC ductwork, concept plans and on-site airflow balancing.
- Where: Design services are provided across the Greater Wellington region, including Hutt Valley, Porirua, Kapiti, Levin and Masterton.
- Who for: Suited to homeowners undertaking new builds or major renovations, along with architects, builders and commercial clients needing mechanical engineering HVAC design for ducted, VRV/VRF, chiller or air handling projects.