skip to main content

Heating & Air Conditioning

Where to put air return

16 years ago

I have an older cape cod home with no air returns on 2nd level. I plan to cut an air flow above the door (that is normally kept closed) to the upstairs and would also like to put another between the 2 rooms on the 2nd floor. The wall I would use is pictured on the link below. My original thought is to put it about 6 inches above the baseboard and slightly off-center towards the door. Any other suggestions?

Here is a link that might be useful:

Sort by:Oldest

Comment (1)

aldematt57
16 years ago
Where is the thermostat located?
If the upper level has no thermostat control, pulling air from that area will likely not achieve th desired result.
Also note that adding returns to a duct system that should already be sized correctly is something many of us will advise against.
Have a professional analyze your system, check your airflow and static pressures, and give you a pro recommendation.
It might even be possible to use a sensor on that level that will communicate with your tstat which would be advisable when adding more return on a level that does not utilize a thermostat.

Here is a link that might be useful: Tradewinds Heating & Cooling
Related Discussions
Ideas on how to pre-heat cold air return air
Q
Comments (6)
An HRV is required by code on all new homes in the US. This is for ventilation air. I have one, works great. See link. Costs less than solar. An ERV will recover moisture too as well as heat. If you do not have a sealed combustion furnace (2 pipes, intake & exhaust) and have a gravity furnace, a combustion air duct is required to supply air for the furnace burner. You can create a "cold air trap" by placing a box on the floor and dropping the combustion air duct into the box (No top). You may also be able to connect the Combustion air duct to the return duct to the furnace (Check code). Attach duct at least 10'0" away from the furnace soas not to crack the heat exchanger with the cold air. Connecting to the return also creates a slight positive pressure in the house reducing infiltration/drafts. Stay Warm! Dan Martyn Here is a link that might be useful: Broan HRV
...See More
Putting HVAC return air in kitchen?
Q
Comments (6)
I just figured you didn't trust the hvac guy's judgement since you obviously already got his opinion. You do realize that he is in far better position to advise you than folks that are not seeing it for themselves. If you want advise,the best I can give is alow the contractor who has all the facts to help you decide. There is a chance of a wild card you overlooked. Your idea sounds great,I just can't be sure what is best.
...See More
1939 house with air returns in floor; poor air quality
Q
Comments (6)
There are new ducts in the 700sf addition, but the existing HVAC unit was over-sized for the original old house, so the installer said I don't need to replace it. There are replacement ducts for the old kitchen (will be a den), dining room and two upstairs bedrooms where I moved walls. Most of the supply ducts are on the interior walls, but the two old air returns in the floor are under windows. Everything in my renovation/addition is permitted by the city and inspections have all passed. They also inspect the "old" part as it isn't grandfathered in when doing a renovation of this size. I've replaced any electrical and plumbing that weren't up to today's code. The furnace is located in the basement that has brick walls and a concrete floor, but there is also 21 foot section that is chest high that is open to the dirt floor crawlspace. 6 mil plastic is being added to cover the dirt. R-15 insulation was added since I wrote this and it seems to be helping. All window sashes have been replaced with new energy-efficient wood sashes (had to be custom made to fit the old window openings). Thanks!
...See More
Do I need filter at return air vent if we have air cleaner in attic?
Q
Comments (6)
The only thing that I don't like is that the filter in the air cleaner is in the attic and not very accessible, so I don't do it myself. I would much rather be able to climb on a step ladder and unhook the ceiling grille to change the filter. Would it hurt if we put a filter there as well (like by restricting too much of the airflow) or help in any way? Would adding a filter there slow down the rate of how often we have to change the air cleaner one? (I think right now it is a once a year recommendation.)
...See More

Related Stories

SMALL SPACES Downsizing Help: Where to Put Your Overnight Guests

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

Lack of space needn’t mean lack of visitors, thanks to sleep sofas, trundle beds and imaginative sleeping options

KITCHEN DESIGN Where Should You Put the Kitchen Sink?

By Jennifer Ott Design

Facing a window or your guests? In a corner or near the dishwasher? Here’s how to find the right location for your sink

THE HARDWORKING HOME Where to Put the Laundry Room

By Mitchell Parker

The Hardworking Home: We weigh the pros and cons of washing your clothes in the basement, kitchen, bathroom and more

MORE ROOMS Where to Put the TV When the Wall Won't Work

By Pangaea Interior Design, Portland, OR

See the 3 Things You'll Need to Float Your TV Away From the Wall

HEALTHY HOME A Guide to Indoor Air Purifiers

By Laura Gaskill

Get the lowdown on air filtration systems for your house and the important ratings to look out for

HISTORIC HOMES Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie Triumph Returns

Sixteen years' worth of restoration and reconstruction efforts have brought the Martin House Complex in New York back to glory

CRAFTSMAN DESIGN Kitchen of the Week: Kitchen Returns to the Craftsman Era

By Becky Harris

Minnesota designers incorporate fine woodwork, Arts and Crafts stenciling, and handmade lights and tiles into their new space

MOST POPULAR 5 Ways to Hide That Big Air Conditioner in Your Yard

By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)

Don’t sweat that boxy A/C unit. Here’s how to place it out of sight and out of mind

REMODELING GUIDES Where to Splurge, Where to Save in Your Remodel

By Laura Gaskill

Learn how to balance your budget and set priorities to get the home features you want with the least compromise

FALL GARDENING 5 Ways to Put Fall Leaves to Work in Your Garden

By Therese Ciesinski

Improve your soil and yard the organic way with a valuable garden booster that grows on trees

Sponsored

More Discussions

Mount range hood to wall or ceiling?

19

Overamping and hard start kits

31

Navien tankless heater stopped heating water after electrical outage

2

Engineered vs. Solid Hardwood over radiant floor heating

8

Replace rusted swamp cooler panels with aluminum sheeting?

2