Explore the critical importance of proper HVAC duct design and airflow management for system efficiency, equipment longevity, and cost-effective operation in residential and commercial applications.
Her Story
About Sharon
Sharon Stewart is an accomplished HVAC Service Manager with 27 years of experience in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning industry. Based in Paso Robles, California, she currently serves as Service Manager at Wighton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning, where she leads service operations and supports a team of technicians. Her career began in her early 20s when she pursued plumbing coursework, which led her to further training in plumbing, mechanical systems, and industry codes. She built a strong foundation through hands-on roles as a maintenance technician, installer, and HVAC professional before advancing into leadership positions. Over the course of her career, Sharon has developed deep expertise in HVAC service management, technical support, field operations, and business-to-business services. Prior to her current leadership role, she spent nearly 14 years with Ferguson Enterprises, serving as Branch Manager and Counter Manager, where she strengthened her knowledge of HVAC parts, operations, and customer relationships. At Wighton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning, she oversees a team of approximately seven technicians, manages logistics, invoices, and purchase orders, provides field and technical support, and helps technicians advance their careers through training and EPA 608 certification guidance. Sharon is recognized for her practical, people-focused leadership style and commitment to developing others in the skilled trades. She believes in lifting people up, leading with empathy, maintaining accountability, and never asking her team to do something she would not do herself. Her dedication extends beyond the workplace through her involvement with Central Coast Roller Derby, where she has supported efforts focused on empowering women through teamwork, strength, and community. Through her combination of technical expertise, mentorship, and hands-on leadership, Sharon continues to make a meaningful impact in the HVAC industry.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sharon
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my father, who taught me from a young age that there were no limits to what I could achieve. He never differentiated jobs by gender and led by example through his strong work ethic, teaching me valuable skills and the confidence to take on any challenge.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received has come from the incredible women who have inspired me through their strength, resilience, and authenticity. My mentors in the roller derby community, including Annie and Barbretta, have shown me the importance of staying true to myself, leading with confidence, and navigating challenges with grace. They taught me that true leadership comes from being authentic, thoughtful, and resilient while continuing to grow and move forward.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to work hard, believe in your abilities, and never let anyone convince you that something is impossible. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it—seeking assistance is about safety and growth, not gender. Stay healthy, support your team, and continue pushing yourself to learn and succeed.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges and opportunities in my field often come from pushing beyond expectations. Working in a traditionally male-dominated industry has taught me the importance of confidence, resilience, and proving that skill and dedication—not gender—define success. Through personal and professional challenges, including overcoming breast cancer and loss, I have grown stronger and more determined to support others. Today, I see the greatest opportunity in mentoring and developing the next generation of professionals by sharing knowledge, building confidence, and creating pathways for others to succeed.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are empathy, respect, and the desire to lift others up rather than tear them down. I believe in supporting people while also being willing to provide honest guidance when needed. As a leader, I never ask my team to do something I wouldn’t be willing to do myself, and I strive to lead by example through hard work, understanding, and accountability.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Sharon
Air Flow is the key
The Critical Role of Ductwork in HVAC System Performance and Efficiency
Understanding HVAC Airflow: Why Proper Duct Design Matters
Understanding the dynamics of airflow within HVAC systems is essential for professionals in the industrial and construction industries. Proper airflow plays a pivotal role in ensuring compliance with safety standards, extending equipment longevity, and maximizing the return on investment. Ductwork and airflow should be given careful consideration with every installation, as they are integral to a system's ability to operate efficiently and effectively.
HVAC Airflow Fundamentals
A foundational understanding of HVAC airflow dynamics is essential for professionals in the industrial and construction sectors. The study of HVAC airflow begins with several key concepts.
Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) is the primary measurement used for system design and performance analysis. Static pressure, which represents the resistance to airflow within the system, is equally important.
When air encounters resistance from ductwork, filters, or abrupt transitions, static pressure increases, forcing the system to work harder. As static pressure rises, the system's overall airflow (CFM) decreases proportionally.
Undersized ductwork often results in uneven airflow distribution, increased noise levels, and a shortened system lifespan. As a result, the HVAC system cannot operate at peak efficiency, leading to higher energy consumption and increased operating costs.
High Static Pressure
High static pressure significantly compromises system performance and places excessive strain on critical components.
During heating operation, restricted airflow reduces the volume of air (CFM) passing across the heat exchanger, which can lead to overheating. In addition, the increased workload placed on the blower motor may result in premature mechanical failure.
During cooling operation, restricted airflow places unnecessary strain on the compressor, one of the most expensive components to repair or replace. Proper airflow management is therefore essential to maximizing system performance and longevity.
How Do Technicians Verify Proper Airflow?
To ensure ductwork delivers the required airflow at the system's design CFM, technicians must perform accurate measurements using calibrated instruments or compare the duct design with accepted duct sizing standards. These calculations help verify that the installation meets the manufacturer's design specifications.
The following steps can help determine whether the ductwork has been designed correctly:
- Using the system model number, locate the airflow table in the installation manual and identify the required CFM for the system.
- Compare the required airflow with a standard duct sizing chart to verify that the return duct is properly sized.
- Count all of the supply registers in the home and note the size of each supply duct.
- Add the CFM capacity of each supply duct to determine whether it matches the airflow being delivered through the return duct.
Example: Duct sizing chart from HVACDirect.com
Calculating Total Static Pressure
The next step is calculating total static pressure, which requires the use of a calibrated manometer to obtain accurate readings.
Every HVAC system includes a data plate that specifies the maximum allowable static pressure. Compare the measured total static pressure with the manufacturer's maximum rating to determine whether the system is operating within its designed limits.
It is equally important to understand how static pressure affects airflow volume. By consulting the manufacturer's airflow table, technicians can determine how changes in static pressure influence CFM. This information allows them to verify whether the system is operating within the manufacturer's specifications.
As discussed earlier, operating outside these parameters not only reduces system performance but also increases operating costs and accelerates equipment wear.
Example: Airflow chart from a forced-air unit (FAU) installation manual
The Importance of Proper Airflow Design
Today's HVAC industry offers a wide range of equipment options, from standard-efficiency units to premium high-efficiency and ultra-quiet systems. In addition, indoor air quality solutions, such as high-performance filtration systems, can be incorporated to improve the quality of the air throughout the home.
However, if ductwork is not treated as a priority during system design and installation, one of the most critical components of the HVAC system is overlooked.
Because an HVAC system represents a significant investment for homeowners, it should be installed in a manner that allows it to perform as designed. When contractors include airflow analysis as part of the installation process, customers receive the full benefits of improved efficiency, greater comfort, reduced operating costs, and longer equipment life.
Sharon Stewart
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