Fenton, MO - Local mechanical contractor, sheet metal fabricator and residential HVAC contractor, R.F. Meeh Company, recently opened a state of the art engineering and construction training center in Fenton, MO to offer training and education to construction specifiers and installers on the newest wave in sustainable ductwork - Koolduct® and Thermaduct.  Specifically geared to educate and train mechanical engineers, facilities managers and other sheet metal contractors on the capabilities and installation procedures for Koolduct® and Thermaduct, the 3,000-square foot facility opened on May 11, 2017. 

The HVAC industry has been undergoing a transformation in recent years, specifically as it pertains to HVAC ductwork with the need for newer, LEED eligible and more energy efficient products hitting the market.  Koolduct® is a closed-cell phenolic duct which received final SMACNA (Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association) accreditation of the Phenolic Duct Construction Standard, 1st Edition, 2015 on February 12, 2015.  Unlike traditional metal duct, phenolic duct is comprised of a pre-insulated, high efficiency air duct with R-Value ratings from R-6 to R-24.  Some of the other advantages to phenolic duct include: lower energy consumption and increased energy savings, low air leakage, zero ozone depletion, moisture resistance, improved Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), weighs up to 80% less than traditional metal duct, quicker installation times, and is fire and smoke resistant. 

According to Robert J Meeh, President of R.F. Meeh, “We are excited to open the Koolduct®-Thermaduct Construction & Engineering Center.  With federal and state governments requiring cleaner, more energy efficient buildings, owners and engineers have escalated their focus on improved energy efficiency and indoor air quality.  Additionally, sheet metal fabricators and installers across the country have found the lightweight material improves installation time, reduces injury risk and provides the owner with a much improved energy efficiency never before seen.  We have already had several engineering groups and sheet metal contractors send their specifiers and installers to the center for seminars and training.”

Koolduct® is commonly used on indoor applications in education, healthcare, government, and industrial applications.  Thermaduct® is a vinyl wrapped, outdoor, solution which has shown the ability to be more weather resistant and provide more consistent air flow and temperature over long runs, than traditional metal duct.