COMMUNITY FORUM

Forum >
HVAC >
Cold air return.

04:01AM | 10/11/01

Member Since: 10/09/01
48 lifetime posts

Cold air return.

Tags: HVAC

A friend has a two storey 100 year old house and the original wood stove heating has been replaced with an oil furnace in the basement.

There is a cold air vent on the second floor which, of course, is designed to "****" and return the cold air which settles around floor level, to the furnace for reheating.

The ducting passes through a room on the first floor in a place which is hard "box-in" and disguise.

Is it really necessary to force the cold air to the basement - it's going to follow nature and return there anyway. If so, could this ducting be removed?

I appreciate that this may cause a few drafts but in a large home, this could be tolerated.

Comments please. Thanks, Alan (Canada)

04:59PM | 10/11/01

Member Since: 09/23/01
242 lifetime posts

Try to forget the term "Cold Air Return" this is a misnomer it is really make up air, in most new homes the air return is up high not on the floor, The best place is on the second floor, preferably up high.

Alan

02:52AM | 10/12/01

Member Since: 10/09/01
48 lifetime posts

Thanks DH. I from assume from your comments that I cannot remove this duct. For educational purposes, as opposed to argumentative, would you be so kind as to explain what would result if this duct was blocked off.

Thanks again, Alan.

david_wv

03:07AM | 10/12/01

Member Since: 01/28/01
171 lifetime posts

The cold air return encourages air to circulate. The furnace/AC pump air floor level and the cold air return pulls it out at a different level and location. This way the air blends more completely than just pumping more air into the room. Also having a return means you heat/cool air that is already warm/cool instead of working with cool & damp (musty smelling) basement air.

Alan

10:40AM | 10/12/01

Member Since: 10/09/01
48 lifetime posts

Thanks David - the duct will remain in place.
Alan.