Do you need Return air vents in basement?
Do you need Return air vents in basement?
Every house should have proper air return throughout the house including the basement. Believe it or not, every room, including the basement should be the same temperature. Ensuring good placement of cold air returns is critical to ensure proper distribution of air flow.
How do you install a return air duct?
- Step 1: Determine Where the Ducts Will Go. Locate where you want your return air ducts.
- Step 2: Begin Adding Panning. Go into the basement and locate the holes.
- Step 3: Enclose New Ductwork.
- Step 4: Add New Air Return Duct to Furnace.
- Step 5: Install New Air Filter.
- Step 6: Install Return Air Register Covers.
Do I need a cold air return in an unfinished basement?
During the summer, leave your basement returns open. That allows for the cool air from the basement to be pumped into the upper stories. When it is chilly outside, still leave your basement return closed. If it is open, it means that your heat pump is having to also warm the cold air from your basement.
Should basement returns be high or low?
The basement one should be on the floor, not the ceiling of the basement. In the upper stories of the house, the return air duct openings on each floor should be approximately equal to the sum of the hot air outlets.
How many cold air returns should be in a basement?
I recommend that all basements should have at least 2 supply registers and 1 return register in the basement/equipment area just to keep that area slightly warm or cool and the air fresh. If you are going to finish that area to be used as living space, then more supply and returns will be needed.
How many air vents should a basement have?
A general rule of thumb is that there is one vent for every 300 sq. Ft of basement area if the basement has been treated with a vapor barrier/damp sealer. In the case of the basement not being treated with a vapor barrier/damp sealer, more vents are advised, at least 1 vent for every 150 Sq. Ft of the basement area.
Should a finished basement have a cold air return?
Can flex duct be used for return air?
Yes, you can use flex ducts for your return air. However, to maximize its usefulness, it needs to conform to technical specifications such as its insulation rating, pressure checks, dust filters, duct sizing and placement, and lastly, the installation requirements.
Where should a return air vent be located?
Return air vents are generally located near the center of the homes. Older and newer homes often have one register per floor, but homes built from 1960-1990 may have a cold return air vent in each room.