Adding return air vent in basement Jun 3, 2025 · Can My HVAC System Handle More Ducts? Let’s explore when it’s OK and when it won’t work to tap into existing ductwork to serve a finished basement, converted attic or garage, newly constructed addition or an existing room that doesn’t get enough heating or AC. Recently I've been hearing of contractors adding an additional return in the basement to pull cold air from the basement which then redistributes throughout the house. This will draw the cold air off the basement floor into the furnace to be heated Nov 8, 2011 · There is no cold air return in the basement. He shows us how to measure the location, cut the dry wall, and install the vent. Here, the circulated fresh air kills all types of pollutants and Oct 27, 2023 · Installing a return air vent can increase the efficiency of your HVAC system. Natural ventilation helps to bring in the fresh air, while mechanical ventilation helps to circulate the air in the basement. Heated or cooled air is no longer trapped in supply ducts. Always plan for the "worst" season - in your case that is heating for the basement. Jan 18, 2022 · External basement vents should be closed to shut off the direct influence of outside temperatures. Without a return, negative pressure can cause drafts or pull in dust and odors from crawl spaces. Begin by choosing the Jul 24, 2022 · An air return vent cannot be too large unless there are extreme cases, like when a closed space is suddenly experiencing negative air pressure. Use a Portable Unit: A portable electric AC or space heater can be used in a finished basement that’s not used frequently. Basements stay cool from cool air in the house sliding down the stairs. The finished area of the basement should have operable windows for fire escape and natural light. If I should not do this myself and pay someone that’s totally cool. Furthermore, vents allow fresh air inside the system. Nov 27, 2021 · My assumption going into making plans for air supply and return for the habitable space in the basement is that the current central air system was not specced or balanced for additional air return, however I am not totally sure if this is the case. Adding Aug 21, 2023 · In this article, we’ll see the importance of adding a return air duct, where they are best installed, how to calculate the correct size and how to install it yourself, without necessarily being an HVAC expert. However, capping the cold air return in any incomplete basement is necessary to complete necessary works. Install a dedicated return duct connected to the main HVAC system or use transfer grilles to promote air circulation. Many houses, especially older homes, only have one return vent in a central location, which works for a small house (about 800 Jun 1, 2021 · 1 I have to install a cold return air register in my basement ( of 8' ceiling). Jul 8, 2018 · There are currently 8-6" supplies feeding the upstairs and 1-6" in the basement. Forget floor insulation, run a quick duct line and enjoy your space. Whether it be determining your AC’s tonnage or the size of vent that you need, let’s take a look at how you can add a vent to existing ductwork. This won't work with every home, so you should consult with an AC vent professional before you get to work on smaller vents in your upstairs rooms. Mar 17, 2025 · A cold air return in an unfinished basement improves airflow, balances HVAC efficiency, and prevents stale air. I was considering adding an open vent to the utility room since this is getting closed off from the rest of the basement just to let air through. Get expert advice and answers to your HVAC questions here! Jul 12, 2025 · How to Add a Return to Existing HVAC? Are you dealing with uneven temperatures and poor air circulation at home? Adding a single return vent could greatly improve your HVAC system’s performance. Use our instant online EZ calculator to get an estimate for your home! It’s quick and Oct 5, 2023 · As a homeowner, ensuring that your indoor air quality is top-notch and your HVAC system is working efficiently should be among your top priorities. Room Heating and Cooling Problem My daughter's bedroom was too warm in the summer and too cold in the winter because it had just a single air duct from the central Sep 2, 2025 · Learn how to improve your home's comfort & efficiency with tips on return air vent placement, duct locations, & meeting essential HVAC airflow requirements. Drawing the cold, damp, stale air, from the basement floor and sending it through the furnace and back to the whole house will improve the environment in the basement. I know that adding a vent in the door would help heating because cool air falls. Can I just add a return line for each bedroom and connect it to the main return? -Each bedroom does have a supply line but air return is essentially blocked when the door is closed. The cost of labor to run a return duct from the 3rd floor of a townhouse to the basement? 1000-2000 dollars. Do they need to be at the floor level or at the ceiling level?" In the house above the furnace, the hot air comes off of the floor under the windows, flows up and counters the cold air May 19, 2023 · By adding dampers, you can configure your system to handle, for example, eight vents, whether you close two, four, or more vents in unoccupied areas. Also, it would be best if placed across the supply vents so that air will circulate throughout the entire room. I have an air things monitor Apr 29, 2021 · Adding one or two Return Air vents with your attic insulation upgrade may be the perfect ticket for getting those rooms comfortable and in harmony with your thermostat. Feb 22, 2022 · It is often necessary to add a vent to existing ductwork, and it works if your HVAC system has enough power. Also, make sure your vents are clean and clear and your AC is working properly and there’s no loose ductwork. 6. more In the summer the top floor gets about 3-4 degrees warmer than the first, and obviously much warmer than the cool basement. Put Smaller Return Vents and Ducts in Each Room If the current return vent setup isn't enough to remove the warm air from the upper floors, then more second-floor vents may be the ideal solution. Go Air Ducts provides expert insights on the process. But is the furnace exposed to the air that you’re conditioning in the basement? I needs to be in its own box or closet, with a separate air source to the basement air for returns to be put in. Details: 2 floors in house (not including basement) Forced hot air via gas. The air handler will be in the basement. Before adding Jan 25, 2019 · Unless your system has a hrv or fresh air intake into the return, adding a vent will not provide fresh air, only heating/cooling/dehumidification/humidification. Below is my plan for the first (easy) one. Can I return air with transfer grates to the basement, and use the open space of the basement as the return path to the air Oct 21, 2023 · Understanding how a home cools and some simple tips aen plumbing heating cooling cold air return vents what they are many do you need furnace to install duct in basement proair industries inc why is my bedroom so caroa design build building cavities used as supply or ducts internachi perfect balance door pressure relief system make your warmer May 24, 2022 · 3. One key factor that contributes to this is proper ventilation, and there are times when you may need adding vents to existing ductwork systems. Adding heat is no problem for a safety standpoint, but not good if there is more supply than return in the total furnace output. Jul 3, 2020 · Pulling the "warmer" air from the ceiling of the basement (relatively speaking) and therefore only just cool the basement down more and increase stratification. Keep reading to learn what tools and supplies you will need. Return air comes in the bottom where the blower cavity is. My question is that there are no cold air return vents pre-cut and should I add one? I can easily add one, but dont know if this is necessary in the basement. Nov 9, 2015 · The stairs to the upstairs start with a door that blocks them off at the bottom. You probably do not need returns in the basement. In many new homes this return is located in a central hallway, or other central area, of the house and there is plenty of 'blank' drywall in this drywall 'feed' ducting to install a second 'Return Air Filter Grille for 1" Filter' assembly [1]. These solutions work well as either standalone fixes or complements to larger systems. Today I'm talking about ductwork and cold air returns in your house - do you need one, two, ten?! I'm here to answer! Watch to learn the key factors that det Up to this point my basement has had no cold air returns even though it has 4 heat registers. A return duct would provide a lower resistance path than the fan trying to suck back air through holes, cracks and under door gaps. Some large rooms have two or three. First floor are on the floor. Jun 20, 2016 · Add a second floor return duct (in front or middle bedroom) Add another upstairs supply duct (in front or middle bedroom) I have read conflicting reports about whether adding an upstairs supply or return would provide any benefit, and that closing off registers can cause issues. Apr 18, 2022 · What’s the Correct Placement for AC Return and Supply Vents? Generally, return air vents perform best on interior walls – not the walls adjacent to the outdoors. Your HVAC system’s performance directly depends on proper return air circulation. Feb 16, 2025 · Many homeowners overlook the critical role of return air vents in maintaining a comfortable and efficient home environment. Dec 23, 2022 · Learn about what adding a vent to existing ductwork costs, with details on installation and considerations including whether to hire a professional. Oct 15, 2016 · Doug from Manilla, Ontario checked this site for basement heating systems: "I read the section? on cold air returns in the basement, however I could not find anything on where hot air vents should be placed. Jan 9, 2012 · As far as I know there are no air returns in the basement, I think we might have to open one of the vents in the bedroom and also add a return vent to get some fresh air in the basement. We will tackle a number of the most important ones regarding cold air return vents, including: How many return vents should a house have? Do you need 1 for every room? It depends on the Dec 25, 2012 · Cut cold-air return into furnace to move cold basement floor air with furnace fan to cool upstairs without air-conditioning. Besides adding a second thermostat and zone upstairs (which i will someday) is there a fan I can add to one of the vents in the basement to move that nice cool air to the vents upstairs? Proper placement of your supply and return vents is crucial for maintaining optimal indoor comfort and ensuring the efficient functioning of your HVAC system. Includes sizing rules, placement tips, a quick table, and when it’s smarter to call a pro. Installing a cold air vent from the family room to the furnace should provide a constant change of air when the furnace is running. My intent is to get 2 cold air returns at floor level in my basement this is the first. Here’s the deal: There are many questions that may arise in connection with these cold vents. Dec 24, 2024 · From easy and simple methods to costly and more effective ones, we'll discuss all the ways to battle basement ventilation issues. Would doing this make a big enough difference in the humidity level that I wouldn’t have to run a dehumidifier all summer anymore? 3. This article describes problems with return air inlet size, location, and ductwork. Adding a cold air return in an unfinished basement is one of the simplest ways to improve air circulation, balance temperatures, and enhance overall HVAC efficiency. Works done, looks great. The number of air returns you should have in your basement depends on many factors. Jan 25, 2005 · Finally getting around to finishing my roughly 1000 SF basement. I also wondered if i could/should put a vent in one of the cold air returns coming from the upstairs that would be in the ceiling of the new area. Know when it's needed and how to install it correctly. When finishing a basement, including a return air duct helps balance airflow and maintain HVAC efficiency. The 3rd floor of the townhouse does have 1 return vent in the hallway which is 12x12. How to bring heat to the floor in a basement. This is the first step to installing a return air duct Nov 17, 2021 · The problem is, during the summer, how do you increase airflow to the second floor? To increase airflow to the second floor consider keeping your AC running in fan mode, adding extra vents, and enlarging return vents. #justdoityourself #lovingit #perfecteveryt The return air vent is a crucial piece of your home's HVAC (heating and air-conditioning) system. Sep 28, 2022 · In this article, I'll explain where return air vents are located, their role in your home, and discuss whether it's a good idea to block a return air vent. Supply vents are responsible for distributing cool or warm air into the living areas, while return vents draw in the room’s air to be conditioned and recirculated. 1. Jan 10, 2025 · Our laundry room lacks a return air vent. Meanwhile, supply vents perform best on exterior walls, ideally under a window. So adding a return air to both bedrooms is a good idea (also obviously add a supply vent to your sons bedroom as well if it doesn't already have one) Keep the return down low near the floor in the basement bedroom to remove the moist, stale air from the floor Also do you have any b-vent appliances in this basement? water heater, furnace, dryer? Appliances need fresh combustion air AND you don't want the water heater fumes circulating in the home because someone put a new fau return in the basement and it's depressurizing appliances because the door is closed. Aug 8, 2024 · Whether you’re looking to add more living space by finishing your basement or improving the air quality of your home, properly ventilating your basement is an important project. Apr 6, 2011 · The return "vent" should not be (physically) close to the hot air vent (s). In case of rooms where the return ducts may not be running through, how do I put the return vents and be Mar 29, 2023 · This tutorial explains how to add a room air duct for heating and cooling by installing a flexible air duct and vent for better air flow. If you have high radon in basement, you need to address this before you make it more comfortable!! Jan 10, 2019 · Hi all, A home inspector told me that adding a return in my unfinished basement would help lower the humidity level. Discover if you can add a feeding HVAC air vent to your finished basement without a return vent. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basic steps involved in how to add a vent to existing ductwork. I'm also unexpectedly going to have a heat pump instead of mini splits. Read the blog to find out why it’s a great idea! 1 return vent being added in office to house, 8yrs old. Dec 30, 2024 · I had all new ductwork recently installed, and the HVAC installers added a return vent in the cold, damp unfinished basement directly on the main return duct. When considering how many HVAC returns you need, several factors come into play. Is there anything else I should look out for recommendation of brand? Also, what type of screws do I need to fasten the grill to the wall? View attachment 821731 View attachment 821732 . I’ve never seen this before in any of my previous homes, which were newer. Below is a quick and dirty diagram of my HVAC system. You can add a vent to your ductwork with a Dremel, jigsaw, boot, grill, and some screws. Jul 4, 2023 · You will likely want at least one vent in each room, because once you put up walls air will not flow that much between rooms. The first guy was right, the tech-y guy number two is wrong. which is better in term of return cold air from all open spaces (marked by red circle) more efficiently and what size of return grill do I need. There are currently 3 supply vents in my basement and I plan to add one additional in the bathroom for a total of 4 Jan 16, 2025 · Upstairs rooms can easily get hotter than downstairs rooms. Supply vent is okay. Mar 29, 2016 · There are 5 forced air vents upstairs and no returns. I'm already planning a dehumidifier in a closet that will also house the basement bath's sump pump, but I think I'd still like to have the AC return vent. right now I have two options. I was wondering if it's helpful to install one and how hard it is? I watched some videos online and seems straightforward; trace the size and cut with a drywall saw. Any HVAC system needs return vents to maintain the area's air pressure, remove debris, and operate effectively. Reasons To Add More Return Air Vents A well-balanced supply and return system improves comfort. You can use a stairway as a return path between floors but air doesn't go through doors or walls. Since I went with a 6” supply duct, will a 6” return duct be big enough or should I go with an 8” duct? Looking for some advice on adding a return air vent in my basement. More importantly, ensure the return vents aren’t too close to the supply registers. In reality, your heating and air conditioning system is nothing more than a giant circulation machine. Can an air return simply be added without worries of unbalancing the system too terribly? Jul 9, 2022 · Air return is very important for any household. Jan 3, 2012 · Question: How should I arrange the heating ducts as I convert an unfinished basement space into a couple of bedrooms? Right now the heating ducts are up at the ceiling. The bigger the furnace, the more return vents you need. g. There are no real cold-air return vents in the basement and it would seem like a good idea to cut one into my ductwork so more basement cold air could be passed to the blower. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it’s important to weigh them carefully before making a decision. Enhance airflow and temperature regulation in your home. It currently has three vents where air comes into the basement that the builder installed when we had our home built 4yrs ago. We will have no combustion appliances. Air Nov 9, 2015 · The stairs to the upstairs start with a door that blocks them off at the bottom. Learn about the importance and benefits of installing an HVAC return vent in basement spaces. In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of proper ventilation in homes, the need to add vents to Cold damp air is heavier than warm dry air. The basement currently has 5 supplies in the ceiling, and no returns. Installed and open cold air return vent delivers cold air to the furnace; furnace returns heated air via ductwork. I'm guessing that this will disturb the delicate balance of air flow throughout the rest of the house that was designed by the installers so i'm afraid to even try it. Thanks! Mar 3, 2018 · For the return, my plan is to tap off the main trunk from inside the utility room and install the vent in towards the bottom of the wall that separates the two rooms. Jan 19, 2025 · Enhance your home's comfort and HVAC efficiency by adding a return vent to existing ductwork. Regularly inspect and clean ducts to prevent blockages and ensure proper If we vent our basement with outside air, we actually bring moisture and humidity into our space -- creating a perfect environment for mold and rot in your home. Installing heat vents in the basement ceiling allows for efficient and even heating, preventing cold spots and improving overall air circulation. The blower motor Jun 22, 2025 · Air Return Issue Doityourself Com Community Forums Air ducts are leaking perfect balance in door pressure aen plumbing heating and cooling how to install a return vent installing decorative cover clean yourself second floor hvac performance drywall used as duct diy conditioner debunking airflow myths Basement Post navigation Jul 23, 2011 · You can not mess up the static pressure (air flow) of a system by allowing the return air side of the system more breathable area. Myself and a contractor finished my basement last year which added about 1000sq ft of livable space. I'd like to add 4 more to the basement, but I'm afraid my return air trunk (20x8 ~750cfm) is already maxed out with the upstairs. Hence, when it comes to profit, the vents will play a part. This is especially beneficial if your basement tends to be damp or musty, as the return vent can help to circulate and filter the air, reducing the presence of allergens and pollutants. If you have supply vents in the basement the air delivered will make its way up the stairs to the returns in the house. Why install a return air duct Without a return air duct, the air in the house will not circulate properly. Supply and return vents should remain open. Even though making these vents will add up to the total furnishing cost of your house. Oct 25, 2025 · The lack of air circulation can also cause various other problems, such as condensation, which can lead to water damage and the spread of mold. Dave shows us how to add a HVAC Return air duct vent. Oct 17, 2017 · If a home has a central return vent for all the air going to the air handler, a good HVAC design will include return air pathways from the bedrooms. Aug 26, 2022 · When you have central air and heat, air vents are typically in each room. Many houses, especially older homes, only have one return vent in a central location, which works for a small house (about 800 Sep 1, 2023 · I would add one, especially if there is a supply vent in the basement. So after reading a number of posts here, it seemed to me I should install one for the basement. Stick to your lawn watering schedule until it starts to pour. Should I extend them down to floor level? Do I need to bother installing return cold air ducts, too? Fix the leak first. My initial Jun 15, 2016 · Learn why adding a second return during duct replacement improves airflow. It eliminates stagnant air that does not get conditioned as much as air in rooms with return vents. Is that true? 2. HVAC return air improvement guide: How to increase HVAC system return air to increase heating or cool air output by improving the flow of return air to the air handler. Start by gathering your materials, which should include a new return air vent cover, a compatible duct size, sheet metal screws, a screwdriver, and possibly a reciprocating saw if modifications to the existing framing are needed. Jul 23, 2024 · Discover Do I Need an HVAC Return Vent in Basement with our expert guide. This door is relatively air tight. If you have a return, there should be a supply to match it, or some easy and desired path for the air to move (e. You can feel the air rushing down the stairs to the first floor, where it mixes with the 1st floor air and then finds the three return ducts on the first floor. You can warm the basement by cutting a hole in lower cold air return of the furnace to improving the air flow. Have moved them into the stud walls ready for drywalling. May 27, 2018 · It made sense to me at first, but now I'm thinking that I'd like that cool air in the basement to be sucked into the basement air return and distributed to the top floors. Tell me how you can starve combustion or create a back draft with a return sized right to the supply in the basement, AND with the required makeup fresh air from outside equal to 1 sq. Welcome to Oct 20, 2025 · If your basement is stuffy and lacks the proper ventilation, read these tips for how to ventilate your basement so that you can utilize the space fully again. 4. Question […] May 31, 2025 · Stay up to date with Air & Energy of NWFL when you follow our blog. When it comes to installing return air vents in your basement, you have two options: DIY or hiring a professional. May 3, 2007 · That has caused some to say that I don't need an AC return vent in the room. I have a question regarding improving air flow to the second floor of my house. It will be insulated, conditioned and dry, but not habitable per code. I think I do need it, for air filtration, and to help filter out any extra humidity. Feb 9, 2023 · The Pros Adding vents to ductwork can increase the resale value of your home. By understanding the importance of correct vent placement, you can In a furnace or air handler, the return duct carries the air back into the system, which continues circulating through the supply vents. In other words you can add 100 return air vents on one system and you will cycle the air better (resulting in much more comfort) without thought to if the system will work right. Dec 30, 2024 · If you control humidify well in summer, the foundation won't retain it into heating season and it shouldn't be a problem. Apr 29, 2022 · How Many Air Returns do you Need in the Basement? There is no specific number of air returns that you should install in your basement. Jul 23, 2024 · By adding a return vent in the basement, you can enhance the overall air quality in your home. Let's break down what exactly this is, how it works, and how you can get the most efficiency from it. There are currently 3 supply vents in my basement and I plan to add one additional in the bathroom for a total of 4 May 3, 2023 · I'm in the process of finishing my 700sq/ft basement in Michigan. Therefore, it accumulates in the basement. Ideally, the fresh air intake from the outside should be located on a separate wall from the exhaust vent, and away from any other exhausting appliances, to ensure that higher quality air is entering the system. Jan 12, 2025 · I'm looking to add some air returns to a basement project. This is the first step to installing a return air duct Oct 2, 2024 · Struggling with a cold basement? Learn how adding a cold air return can improve airflow, boost comfort, and help your HVAC system run more efficiently. Some of the HVAC guys have said that the problem is no return - a room that size requires a return for the hot air that rises to escape through. -The main return is/has always been very loud since we moved in. We are finishing our basement right now and this is how I installed ductwork into our basement ceiling to heat and cool our additional space. May 24, 2021 · Basement Cold Air Return Diy Home Improvement Forum Signs Your Ducts Aren T Sealed Properly Elmers Home Services Perhaps the worst hvac duct idea ever central return air vents panned bays jlc cold basement vent whole home dehumidifier talk heating refrigeration aen plumbing and cooling how leakage steals twice water dripping from in adding a Nov 17, 2021 · The problem is, during the summer, how do you increase airflow to the second floor? To increase airflow to the second floor consider keeping your AC running in fan mode, adding extra vents, and enlarging return vents. Second floor are on the ceiling. But what about the return air vents? Do you need one of them or more for each room? How many return air vents you need depends on your home’s square footage. Additionally, energy efficiency will increase. While it’s a common DIY project, it’s crucial to consider your skills and the complexity of your HVAC system before proceeding. Advanced Basement Ventilation Systems Sep 6, 2023 · ERV and HRV exhaust vents should be located away from the fresh air intakes, so as to avoid re-entrainment or recycling of the exhausted stale air. However, we highly recommend contacting HVAC Also, one rule to keep in mind if you have an 80% or less AFUE furnace, you cannot put a return air vent in the basement with your furnace because it can cause flue gases to get pulled into the house. The return air system is not creating a bottleneck that slows down airflow. Could adding a vent help cool and heat a converted garage? Here are the pros, cons and costs to consider when adding a vent to existing ductwork. If you have or are going to add air conditioning, the basement return air helps dehumidify the basement -> sometimes to the point when it's hot enough outside and operating a lot it eliminates the need for running a Mar 22, 2013 · Adding a basement return will help keep more heat in this area, but as mentioned, make sure you don't have any "gases" you don't want circulated such as radon. In the picture, I have shown two options A & B. For these reasons, it is important to know how to ventilate a basement properly. Thanks for watching. Nov 11, 2025 · DIY return air duct installation explained—step by step. Air As you can see in the photos, I have what I believe is my cold air return basically being the void in the floor joists with a run of cardboard type of material enclosing it. Nov 18, 2024 · How To Install Heat Vents In Basement Ceiling Properly distributing heat throughout a basement is crucial for creating a comfortable and usable living space. If you have heating vents down in the basement you should have a return. This is an ideal option for anyone searching how to get fresh air into basement areas or how to vent a basement with limited natural ventilation. 500sq/ft will be finished with a bar/bathroom leaving the other 200sq/ft unfinished as a storage/mechanical room. Learn AC troubleshooting, heating and cooling safety tips, and more! Nov 3, 2022 · Learn how to heat your basement by adding heating venting to your existing vent ductwork. The rule of thumb for Jul 8, 2023 · A complete guide on how to install return air duct in wall for improved HVAC efficiency. If you put in more vents than you really need for cooling (because basement naturally cooler than the rest of the house), you can close some of them during the summer and open them May 16, 2022 · It is recommended that you position your return air vents near the thermostat if you have a centralized system. The existing HVAC return air filter is in standard (ish) drywall 'feed' ducting to the HVAC blower unit. Learn how to install a return air vent in the wall. So if you are supplying air to your basement and there is a door separating the basement from the return upstairs, then you want a return in the basement. Can I cut into that and run some duct work down to install a vent for a cold air return? Is there any better ideas for achieving this? Will adding this one, or two, help make the basement warmer? Jul 2, 2020 · Building cavities used as supply or return ducts internachi hvac diffuser installation fine homebuilding why adding a air vent improves your home s comfort bird family insulation fireplace insert heat ducted to basement duct hearth com forums what are the homeowner guide ductwork making an airflow in redflagdeals This is a video on how to install ductwork in a basement. ) Though it seems like a good idea to get 'free' cold air, you're going to end up conditioning your basement and/or pulling in unwanted air. Can somebody tell me the most efficient air return/vent setup for cooling my top floor in the summer? Feb 11, 2007 · Currently, I have two air return vents located on the main and 2nd floors, nothing in the basement. For practical reasons, never place return air vents in the bathroom and kitchen. Otherwise the storm migh miss or fizzle and the last section or zone of the lawn will go brown waiting its turn for water. I drywalled before putting the return vents. Adding a vent to existing ductwork can improve airflow and enhance comfort in specific areas of your home. Providing ventilation to closets Adding cold air return upstairs - does the duct have to go directly into my air unit in the basement? And can I run 3 ducts into one main duct on the second floor that runs into the furnace? Jan 25, 2018 · I am unexpectedly going to have a basement. Inadequate return air seriously limits both air flow rates and also the degree to which building air is cooled (or heated) by the HVAC system Nov 9, 2023 · For added freshness, air purifiers help remove dust, allergens, and odors. Oct 27, 2025 · Curious about how much it will cost to add a return air vent? Our guide will help you discover the cost factors and ways to save on this project. HVAC guys put 4 hot air vents in ceiling. Dehumidify the basement. I have pictures and can locate where the return ducts are and will be able to cut and put the vents. Learn how to increase airflow to the second floor of your home. a large return on the first floor that pulls air from the entire first floor through hallways. Remember, (generally) every room needs a Return Air vent, except bathrooms and kitchens. The most important factor is the size of your furnace. For many years, our unfinished basement was stuffy and damp and felt closed off from the rest of the house. This impacts everything from temperature consistency to energy consumption. I already have a second zone in my basement as well as two return ducts, so adding a supply is a relatively easy job. Step by step adding return air for bedrooms to make your heating and cooling HVAC system efficient and comfortable year round. I would imagine Jun 4, 2009 · Greetings: I am finishing the basement. Transcript: Today we're going to install a return air supply for this furnace. The blower motor May 3, 2023 · I'm in the process of finishing my 700sq/ft basement in Michigan. This is necessary for the HVAC system to work properly. This basement gets very cold in the Winter, so after speaking with an HVAC contractor in my area they suggested I add a return air vent to suck some of the cold air out of the room. Sounds like a vacuum when the system is on. However, how much would it help with cooling in the summer? Would having the vent as a passive return help move more air upstairs (because of the pressure)? Dec 2, 2009 · Hi, first time poster here. Manual or motorized dampers are available. Closing them creates pressure imbalances in the home and HVAC system, resulting in unwanted air movement and making the HVAC system to work harder to heat the house. Also, is it rude to ask about licensing/bonding? Update: Guy was licensed, bonded, insured and wasn’t offended I asked. in for every 1000 btu's (times 2) to supply a open combustion furnace? Sep 22, 2024 · Installing a return air vent is a straightforward process that enhances the efficiency of your HVAC system. Oct 20, 2025 · You can learn how to add vents to existing ducts in your home in a few simple steps. That could be jumper ducts (shown below) or transfer grilles. Am I correct to assume the unit needs 1200 cfm return in order to push 1200 cfm out? Aug 26, 2022 · When you have central air and heat, air vents are typically in each room. Air supplies on both 1st and 2nd floors. sbqrsh vtqrd eem qmx qvffq rafafq zlk jbicphw hkh hvtntbjs nfgcq ygpfl ytjldii artap vqdy