TL;DR
Raritan High School (Hazlet, NJ) installed a 2017 HVAC upgrade using 21 Trane VRF systems, completed by Kappa Construction. Slimduct RD line set covers, sourced through MarketAir, protected exterior piping with a corrosion-resistant, field-configurable design—helping the school maintain reliable, well-ventilated air quality well before pandemic-driven ventilation concerns arose nationwide.
Indoor air quality has become one of the most pressing challenges for schools since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s been found that being indoors rather than outdoors, particularly in indoor environments where ventilation with outside air is inadequate, increases the risk of catching airborne infections like COVID-19.
This makes proper HVAC design a critical part of keeping students and staff safe. As districts across the country scrambled to upgrade their ventilation systems ahead of a new school year, Raritan High School in Hazlet, New Jersey was already a step ahead.
A Head Start on Ventilation
Back in 2017, long before COVID-19 changed the way schools think about air quality, Raritan High School installed a state-of-the-art HVAC system. Previously, classrooms had no heating or air conditioning. The 2017 upgrade brought proper airflow and indoor comfort to the 193,600-square-foot building, positioning the school well ahead of many of its peers when the pandemic hit.
The Team behind the Project
The project was awarded to Kappa Construction, a family-owned and operated general contractor with more than 45 years of experience specializing in in-house HVAC-R work. Kappa Construction is a major player in New Jersey’s public sector, and the team got to work quickly once the contract was secured.
The scope of the project involved using the school’s existing hot water heating system to meet heating demands, while heat pump VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) systems were designed to handle all cooling needs. In total, the installation included 21 Trane VRF systems supporting 160 indoor ceiling units, along with several 1-1 split systems, convectors, rooftop units, and exhaust fans.
Protecting the System with Slimduct RD
One key requirement outlined in the project documents was the installation of Slimduct RD to cover all exterior piping running between the condensing units and their respective building wall or pipe portal penetrations.
“The project documents called for the installation of Slimduct RD to cover all exterior piping between condensing units and their respective building wall/pipe portal penetrations.” Said George Kamaratos, Kappa Construction Project Manager.
To source the product, Kamaratos reached out to Gerry Spanger of MarketAir, the master distributor of Slimduct RD/PD in North America. According to the project team, the process from purchase to installation went smoothly from start to finish.
Because Slimduct RD is field configurable, it could be installed in multiple orientations to suit the layout of the building. Some VRF systems were placed on the rooftop with lines running horizontally, while others were mounted along walls with vertical lines. In every case, the linesets were fully enclosed and protected.
Why Slimduct RD Was the Right Choice
Slimduct RD is built with a proprietary anti-corrosive, scratch-resistant, hot-dipped, chromium-free coating made of zinc, aluminum, and magnesium. This coating offers a more durable alternative to standard galvanized steel, while also giving the finished installation a clean, professional look that blends into virtually any building exterior.
Some of the core benefits of Slimduct RD include:
- Protection for linesets against mechanical and weather damage
- Preservation of the air conditioning system’s energy efficiency
- Multiple fittings for easy on-site customization
- Scratch and abrasion resistance
- An optional anti-slip walkway surface that allows workers to safely walk on the cover for maintenance access
- A compact design that takes up less space than conventional racking systems
- A professional, stylish finish that enhances the overall appearance of the installation
For a building the size of Raritan High School, with piping running across rooftops and along exterior walls, these qualities made Slimduct RD a practical and durable solution for a long-term installation.
Project Information
| Location: | Hazlet, NJ |
| Building type: | School |
| Project type: | Existing building, new installation |
| Square footage: | 193,600 |
| Manufacturer of VRF equipment: | Trane |
| Mechanical contractor: | Kappa Construction |
| Master distributor in North America for Slimduct RD/PD: | MarketAir |
Providers Contact
| MarketAir Inc. | Kappa Construction Corp |
| www.marketair.com | www.kappaconcorp.com |
| info@marketair.com | georgek@kappaconcorp.com |
| (732) 985-8226 | (732) 380-7045 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does HVAC matter for indoor air quality in schools?
HVAC systems keep air circulating through enclosed spaces like classrooms, which helps prevent stagnant air where viruses and other airborne particles can linger. Good airflow is one of the most effective tools schools have for maintaining a healthier indoor environment.
What is Slimduct RD used for?
Slimduct RD is a line set cover used to protect the copper piping that runs between outdoor condensing units and indoor HVAC equipment. It shields the lines from weather exposure and mechanical damage while giving the installation a clean, finished appearance.
Can Slimduct RD be installed in different configurations?
Yes. Slimduct RD is field configurable, which means it can be adapted to horizontal or vertical runs depending on where the VRF units are placed, whether on a rooftop or along an exterior wall.
Who manufactures Slimduct RD?
Inaba Denko has engineered Slimduct RD alongside other HVAC accessory products such as Paircoil, DSH-Up, and LineBrace.
A Smarter Path Forward for School HVAC Projects
Raritan High School’s 2017 HVAC upgrade is an excellent example of how planning pays off. When the pandemic brought new urgency to indoor air quality, the school already had a modern, well-protected system in place, thanks in part to the durability and adaptability of Slimduct RD.
For contractors and distributors working on similar VRF installations, this project shows how the right line set protection can support both the performance and the longevity of a mechanical system, no matter the building’s size or layout.
Ready to Protect Your Next HVAC Installation? Let’s Talk
If you’re planning a VRF or ductless system installation and want line set covers that combine durability with a professional finish, our Slimduct line has you covered. Inaba Denko America engineers and manufactures Slimduct RD, PD, and our full range of HVAC accessory solutions.
Contact us today to request a quote or discuss your requirements.
