decorative furnace return air cover that's not expensive?
girl_wonder
4 years ago
Does anyone know of a decorative furnace return air cover that's not $250-$300 or more? I have a 1940 bungalow and would like to upgrade from the standard metal one (it's on the ceiling).
I want paint grade (to disappear in the ceiling), *not plastic* and maybe a simple grid style or other style to fit my older home? I needs to include space for an air filter.
This place has the best price I've found a grid, but it's still about $240
https://ventcoversunlimited.com/20-x-14-bronze-series-return-air-filter-frame/
Other stores sell ones with cool patterns like these (below) and they are pricier.
I think a grid would be fine but I was hoping to find it closer to $100 than $250 or $300. The size is 14x20. Does anyone know of a source? thanks for your help.
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girl_wonder
4 years agoRelated Discussions
Heat Pump+Furnace or Reg AirConditioning+Furnace?
Comments (6)Ross A dual fuel system can be a very effective strategy for heating one's home. Here are a few things that you should consider. 1. a complete understanding of nat gas rates and electric rates 2. your area's winter climate 3. your home's insulation qualities 4.a look into the future as far as whether electric rates are expected to be more stable than gas rates. In general, I have found that an electric rate of less than $0.11/KWh can make a high eff heat pump very compelling. I am attaching a fuel comparison calculator. Keep in mind that a heat pump performs double duty both in heating and cooling so its life may be marginally less on a dual fuel system depending on a good maintenance program. Today's heat pumps are much better as far as comfort than those 10 yrs+ ago. Good luck with your project and decision. IMO Here is a link that might be useful: Fuel Comparison Calculator...See Morereturn and supply air temp at or under 10 degrees
Comments (12)your best bet in this situation is to hire someone yourself to check out the system and give you an honest answer. If you check craigslist, you'll find guys offering to do "check ups" for $50-100 - just make it clear that you want a full inspection with line pressures, subcool/superheat delta-T and static pressure readings documented in writing on the repair order. Tell them before they come out that you aren't interested in a new system, just in getting the unit back to factory specs. Something is definitely wrong, and it's likely an inexpensive fix if you can get someone to actually break out their tools and check the system properly. Don't let them talk you into a new system, and don't believe the warranty company's lapdog. Google the warranty company's name to see what you're dealing with, most have terrible reviews....See MoreReturn air on new air conditioner/furnace
Comments (9)I found this note on page 11 of the installation manual under upflow units: NOTE: Where the maximum airflow is 1800 CFM or more, both sides or the bottom must be used for return air. This is saying the bottom return by itself will be enough. There was note under the upflow unit section, but I assume it also applies to a horizontal installation. You want the filter and grill cover to be at least the size of the opening to the furnace. Making the grille bigger is not going to help if return itself is smaller. I don't know how this is going to work with the filter size you quoted. I would think you would need two 14X24 filters. It would be nice if you get get a 4 inch filter instead of the 1 inch. Otherwise you will be changing the filter every month. The 6x6 stud obstruction should be removed and you want a tightly sealed return duct. The return duct should not have a right angle. It should be a curved elbow to make the 90 degree transition. Sharp angles create more air resistance. How big was the original house and AC, and much area are you adding? Most houses don't have the properly sized duct work to handle a 5 ton AC. Do you have confidence in this HVAC contractor?...See MoreIs it okay for my air conditioners / furnace flue pipes to be here??
Comments (55)Austin Air My advice is you need to get tough with One Hour Installation. It is unfortunate but you have another year of fighting under your labor warranty in order to get the claimed "100% Satisfaction Guarantee". You have many photos showing problems. Reading all the posts it appears this franchisee has hired incompetent techs and is unwilling to fix the installation problems. You should speak to the franchise owner and explain you want this to be fixed properly and if he can't he can remove all the equipment and return all your money. Do It Yourself, Mike is right here. But the more information you can gather the better. What was installed before this unit, model # / serial # of previous equipment / note problems you have had either via service tickets from one hour / premature part failures etc. You need to go higher up the processing chain at your installer. Manager, is likely going to be your first stop. Because the way one hour is set up as a company this unit is likey a franchise. You may have to put in some serious work to figure out who owns this company. It could be the manager it could be someone else entirely. (namely an investor) Investors typically are just the deep pockets of the operation. Have little to "no" knowledge of HVAC. *maybe they do* If you don't get any traction calling them: Go to BBB (better business bureau) Think of this as a way to "reach someone" of importance. However, because one hour is a franchise you need to be sure BBB understands which franchise... because BBB will contact them. If you don't get any results thru BBB: contact your local news channel. This is really a drastic step, but given the situation you may need to give it some serious thought if the BBB option doesn't get any response or one that is satisfactory. Given all the trouble you've laid out here, I think it's in your best interest to have them take this equipment out / give your money back. Then you'll need to look for a new HVAC company and start this process over again. I'm interested in knowing where you are located. If you can post that info it isn't going to hurt anything. Let us know how things turn out. HVAC companies like this need to be put out of business they give the industry a black eye. --------------------- Me and my HVAC company: it would never come to this. I am hands on. You call me, you get me. Of course some commenting on this thread wouldn't want to talk to me, because they know how "easy & not complicated" this job is. LOL. "joke of the morning" I service the Katy, Texas area. Austin Air I would have to agree with you as well that unfortunately this problem it's just way too sophisticated for me to get anybody here to physically assist me without having to literally take out all of the garbage they put in wrong. I am going to have to gather up as much more evidence of anything and everything over the next two days as I am calling my Township inspector to do a full inspection on my HP AC unit this week I felt that once I have the township print out a piece of paper saying that the job was basically crap that might be a little more incentive to light a fire under their ass to correct this issue without going to court or any other legal means...See Moreremodeling1840
4 years ago
PRONorwood Architects
4 years agoIf you are a diy person you can buy decorative metal panels from Home Depot for cheap.
girl_wonder thanked Norwood Architectsgirl_wonder
4 years agolast modified: 4 years agochiflipper thanks again for the lead. It turns out I need a "filter grille" which for 14x60 runs $264.50. But...at they have lot of styles to choose from. So it's not much more than the $240 filter grill I've seen but I have more options; and it's cheaper than $350 for the more decorative grille. Thanks.
Norwood Architects thanks for the idea. I'm not much of a DIY and I need more than just the cover, I need the whole filter assembly unit, with a hinged grille, etc. I have no experience doing metal fabrication. But thanks for the idea. I think if people just need a cover on a wall, that doesn't need to be accessed for a filter, that HD screen could be the way to go.
Patricia Colwell Consulting I've got the standard issue return grille and was hoping to gain some style points. We're relocating this return to a less obvious spot, so seems like a good time to upgade.
girl_wonder
4 years agogirl_wonder
4 years agogirl_wonder
4 years agolast modified: 4 years agomle0782
4 years ago
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