if it's in the garage, then it probably has flex ran down to a return box in the garage. Normally I see here in N Fl 18" duct ran for 5 ton, because it seems to be the minimum you can get by with. The better would be 22" then 20" but you will be restricted by ceiling joist space with 22" inch flex. Or when I see a improper 16" flex run I give the customer an option to upgrade to a larger diameter of flex or run another 16" flex to the return box. Now I'm talking real world stuff, I don't want to get blasted by numbers in a book because the numbers are not correct per book. The minimum that I would ever use is 18" round flex, after doing tests with Bryant Evloution equipment these systems actually test static pressure when they run, for 5 tons, 18" return and 16" supply is the minimum I would go with only because of real field test results. I'm not sure what the contractor has plans for. If you don't enlarge the flex or add another flex to the return box then enlarging the grill doesn't do anything for the return. Next, what I do, and most contractors don't is on every home that has a 5 ton system, I give the customer an option to go with zoning. Some elect not to zone but some do because it really works if set up correctly. With that I can drop the tonnage of the system to a 3 or 4 tons(depends how many zones are implemented) and then there is absolutely no issue with return air. With that said you want a contractor that has experience in doing zoning.

It sounds like the moisture in the slab is good, and an added barrier isn't necessary as the CoreTec material already has the attached cork underlayment. It may bring you peace of mind as an added precaution, but the CoreTec material is made to withstand moisture. That's what makes it such a great material. You may, however, want to think about sealing the slab before installing the CoreTec. We often recommend this step prior to installing this material. Sealing the slab would eliminate the need of any additional underlayment, and is a better long-term option as well. For more questions you can email us at customerservice@thecouturefloorcompany.com or give us a call at 1-855-914-TCFC Also, check out our website and Blog Posts on subfloors and floating floor systems. http://www.thecouturefloorcompany.com/what-is-a--floating-floor--.html http://www.thecouturefloorcompany.com/basement-flooring.html http://www.thecouturefloorcompany.com/what-is-a--floating-floor--.html www.thecouturefloorcompany.com

Thanks go out to mike_home and tigerdunes. It is encouraging to see that I am not the only one seeing the obvious inconsistencies in the AHRI directory. I suppose that I could go back and read the test protocols to try to sort this out, but then I only want to replace my heat pump as opposed to get into the HVAC business. One interesting aspect of the AHRI Directory is that the data are submitted by the manufacturers, much like EPA Mileage data. Do any of you remember when Ford claimed that their C-Max hybrid had better EPA fuel economy than a Toyota Prius V? If you do remember, then you also know how that claim turned out to be false, and by more than a small degree.

I don't think so. Yesterday I saw a pic somewhere on the web of two rectangle glass coffee tables pushed together and I thought that was a cool idea. Go for it.