Frequently Asked Questions

Service Area

What areas do you serve?

Simply Sheet Metal is based in South Nanaimo, BC, and proudly serves Central and Southern Vancouver Island, including the Gulf Islands. Our service area extends from Qualicum Beach and Parksville in the north, through Nanaimo, Ladysmith, and Duncan, down to Victoria in the south. We also service nearby islands such as Gabriola, Thetis, and Salt Spring.

What Sets Our HVAC Systems Apart

Why are your systems quieter?

From duct size to grille size, and everything in between, size matters. We design our systems for slower-moving, well-directed airflow, reducing friction and turbulence. The result is quieter operation and consistent comfort throughout your home.

How are your systems more effective?

Our ductwork isn't one-size-fits-all; it's engineered specifically for your home. A custom design means better airflow, balanced temperatures in every room, and peak performance throughout the year.

How are your systems engineered for long-term efficiency?

Every component of our systems, from duct sizing and equipment selection to layout, filter placement, and grille design, is carefully planned for long-term efficiency. This means greater comfort, improved air quality, and reliable performance over time.

How are your systems designed to reduce energy and repair costs?

Intelligent system design and proper installation techniques reduce strain on your HVAC equipment. This leads to lower energy consumption and fewer repair needs. When paired with regular maintenance, our systems provide lasting value and lower operating costs.

What makes your installations more reliable?

We apply fluid dynamics, not guesswork. That means proper airflow design, correct sizing, and careful layout. No shortcuts. The result is a system that runs efficiently, lasts longer, and causes fewer issues over time.

Here is a helpful article on airflow if you want to learn more: https://www.heinenhopman.com/20210330-flow-in-hvac-systems-explained/

How do you ensure balanced airflow throughout the home?

We calculate airflow requirements room-by-room, then size ducts and grilles accordingly. This ensures each space gets the right amount of air, not too much, not too little, for even comfort everywhere.

Is there a difference in return air design?

Absolutely. A poorly designed return system can choke airflow and overwork your equipment. We ensure return air pathways are properly sized, located, and sealed for quiet, efficient operation.

Why does static pressure matter in your system designs?

High static pressure means the system is working too hard, usually due to friction loss from undersized or poorly routed ductwork. We reduce it with larger ducts, smoother layouts, and proper components. That means quieter operation, better airflow, and longer equipment life.

Here is a helpful article on static pressure if you want to learn more: https://www.hvactechgroup.com/files/Static%20Pressure.pdf

Can the job be made cheaper by using smaller ductwork?

Our initial base duct size is the smallest we're willing to install while still meeting minimum industry standards for efficiency, noise, and performance, without compromising system integrity. We do this to keep costs reasonable without sacrificing reliability.

If you want a system designed for better long-term efficiency, quieter operation, and lower energy use, we can install larger ducts. Upsizing ducts reduces strain on your equipment and helps save on energy and repairs over time.

Ventilation & Exhaust Systems

Why are HRVs and ERVs important in my home?

HRVs (Heat Recovery Ventilators) and ERVs (Energy Recovery Ventilators) both bring in fresh air while exhausting stale air, helping maintain healthy indoor air quality without wasting heat or energy.

HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator): Transfers heat from outgoing air to incoming fresh air, ideal for colder climates where humidity control is less of a concern.

ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator): Transfers both heat and moisture, helping balance humidity in the home, which can be beneficial in areas with humid summers or for households that run air conditioning frequently.

Both systems improve air quality, reduce pollutants, and maintain balanced ventilation in airtight homes.

Here's a helpful article explaining the differences between HRV and ERV systems: https://solartechonline.com/blog/erv-vs-hrv-ventilation-systems-guide/

How do I know if my bathroom fan is doing its job?

A proper fan should clear humidity in 15-20 minutes. If your mirror stays foggy or paint is peeling, it's not venting well, usually due to poor sizing, installation, or ducting.

What makes for a good range hood setup?

Power and ducting. The hood must be sized to your cooktop and vented outdoors, not recirculating. We install quiet, effective systems with proper duct size and backdraft protection.

Why is dryer venting a bigger deal than people think?

Poor dryer venting increases fire risk, wrecks efficiency, and shortens dryer life. We use rigid ducting, minimal turns, and proper termination to keep it safe and effective.

What’s the difference between fresh air intake and exhaust wall caps?

Fresh air intakes and exhaust outlets may look similar, but they serve very different purposes and must be installed correctly to perform safely and efficiently.

Fresh Air Intake Wall Caps:

Designed to bring air into the home or HVAC system. These wall caps include a bird screen only to prevent debris or pests from entering while allowing unrestricted airflow. They should not include a damper, as this would block necessary air intake.

Exhaust Wall Caps:

Used for removing air from the home, such as for dryers, bathroom fans, or range hoods. These caps include a built-in damper that opens when air is exhausted and closes when the fan or appliance is off, preventing backdrafts, moisture, and pests from entering.

Dryer Exhaust Wall Caps:

A dryer exhaust must never have a bird screen, as lint buildup poses a major fire hazard and restricts airflow. Instead, use a dryer-rated wall cap with a freely moving damper that seals when not in use.

Correctly matching wall cap types to their purpose is essential for safety, performance, and compliance with ventilation codes.

Can you fix noisy or underperforming fans and vents?

Yes. We replace low-quality fans, resize ductwork, and correct bad layouts. It's one of the most common issues we see, and one of the easiest to improve when done right.

Do I need a fresh air intake in my home?

Yes, especially in new or renovated homes that are tightly sealed for energy efficiency. The BC Building Code requires a fresh air intake to provide necessary ventilation and maintain healthy indoor air quality. Without it, your home can become stuffy and trap moisture, odors, and pollutants. We install properly sized and located fresh air intakes that integrate seamlessly with your HVAC system for balanced and breathable indoor air.

Do I need a make-up air unit in my home or building?

If your home has powerful exhaust systems, like a large range hood or multiple bathroom fans, or if it's tightly sealed for energy efficiency, a make-up air unit (MUA) may be necessary. MUAs replace the air that's being exhausted to prevent negative pressure, which can cause drafts, backdrafting of combustion appliances, or difficulty closing doors.

We assess each project to determine if a MUA is needed and size it properly to maintain healthy indoor air pressure and ensure code compliance. If your exhaust appliances exceed 0.5 air changes per hour (ACH), a make-up air system may be required to meet building code and maintain safe indoor pressure.

Project Planning & Consultation

Can you help me plan a system for my renovation or new build?

Absolutely. We work directly with homeowners, builders, and designers to plan systems that fit the space, not just meet code. Our early involvement ensures better airflow, quieter operation, and fewer compromises down the line. We also complete and include a TECA ventilation checklist with every design to ensure full compliance with local building codes.

Equipment Preferences & Flexibility

Do you only work with specific HVAC brands?

No. We're flexible. We work with a variety of trusted brands and match equipment based on performance, efficiency, and your specific needs, not sales quotas or dealer incentives. That said, we do have our preferences based on what we know performs well in real-world conditions.

Timeline & Installation Expectations

How long does a typical install take?

Every job is different. A bathroom fan might take 4 - 6 hours, a major retrofit can take 1 - 2 days, depending on the complexity, while a full duct system installation takes 4 - 6 days. We'll give you a realistic estimate upfront — no guesswork, no surprises. We don't rush, and we don't cut corners. Quality takes time, and we build it right the first time.

Customer Satisfaction Guarantee

What happens if I'm not satisfied with the install?

We stand behind our work. If something's not right, we'll fix it. Period. We don't disappear after the job's done — we're here for support, questions, and adjustments if needed.