OK - I got everything except when you said at the end of your post - you are heating the upper air in my basement. It is a cold air return how is that heating?

This would not require a duct. Only a piece of wood or something to cover opeing in basement.

OK , so what is the answer - do I need to box it in the basement - or is that just a cosmetic thing?

Is there anyone else out there who understands my intital ?

Go back to "unfamiliar" post you actually said you didn't know what you were talking about. Go back and read and please let someone else on this post.

Your answer is YES you have to. And use metal NOT WOOD.

Why?

1) Fire hazard - if you don't or you use wood (and it burns thru) your insurance company will not pay ANY of your claim.

2) Code compliance.

3) It will save you more money than the company will charge you to do it.

4) Health. Especially if the basement is unfinished (this means sealed and painted walls). Do you love your family?

5) Legal liability will stay with you even after you sell.

6) That should be enough

Thanks for responding. apparently on this post you can not disagree with the moderator.

To whom do we report a rude, confusingly sarcastic, not helpful poster who also happens to be a moderator?

Thanks in advance!

You attacked another person for asking a question and then go one to say they can't accept the original suggestion. that last person wasn't even the one who asked the original question - gosh --you seem to either not read things throughly or what/????????

You are correct on one point, sir, when you write, "It is NOT the purpose of this forum to continue a soap opera, become a whine session, nor to examine 'inner feelings.' (sic)".

The STATED purpose of the BBS is, "Post your question in electrical, appliance, architecture, or other forums and get answers from other do-it-yourselfers who understand your project."

DIYers. Answers from DIYers. NOT moderators. Moderators generally oversee specific areas of expertise; settle disputes, and clarify points of information in the discussion. Unfortunately, you seem bent on CAUSING disputes rather than SETTLING them.

I've looked at the web address with which you've provided us, Mr. Kastenholz, and you are an EXTREMELY* accomplished professional. Your bona fides are exemplary. While I don't expect you to mollycoddle us, you do shoot yourself in the foot with the abrasive, sarcastic manner with which you impart information. It is not effective.

Quite honestly, it's a shame. If you could mask even a little of the obvious contempt you have for us, the uniformed, you'd be an excellent resource. People with your experience are few and far between.