We can’t perceive pressure in an air duct with our senses, but we can perceive air velocity with our senses. Every high-pressure duct system is also a high-velocity duct system. When you increase the pressure in a duct system and run it through smaller ducts, you end up with high-velocity air.

High velocity air conditioning operates on a different principle than traditional HVAC systems. Instead of relying solely on large ducts to distribute cool air, high velocity AC utilizes small, flexible ductwork. This allows for more precise airflow control and better temperature distribution throughout your home or office.

The small, seamless, and flexible ducts used in high-velocity HVAC systems allow for the same amount of volume of air to travel at a much higher velocity compared to standard systems. According to Forbes, the air in a high-velocity system travels up to 1,500 feet per minute (fpm) while standard ducts achieve somewhere in the range of 500-600 fpm.

A high-velocity vent is usually round and just 5 inches around. The hot or cool air then moves from the compressor or heat pump to a high-velocity air handler. This pushes the air through your with more pressure than duct-and-vent HVAC systems.

The Hi-Velocity SDHV (Small Duct High Velocity) System works on the principle of pressure rather than air velocity. It is quite different than a conventional furnace, the main difference being that the supply duct work is all "small diameter" or "mini duct". This makes it very easy to install inside existing walls with minimal remodelling.