air return vents

jhack836

as i was tearing out my basement i noticed what it looks like is 2 air returns. i went upstairs and i always knew i had 2 vents. i thought the smaller one was just a vent. i looked at it and realized it is just wall behind it. it isnt vented anywhere. the large vent is working correctly though. then i realized there is a vent near the celing. could that be a added return?

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jhack836

i actually just took off the vents and the small one had cardboard over it! should i take the cardboard off and let it vent? also i just found out i desperatly need duct cleaning!!

JJboy

You should insulate the ducts and seal the ducts joints.

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gregzoll

There is no need, if they are in a basement.

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jhack836

ya everything is in the basement and easy access. half of the basement is insolated and the other half isnt because they had drywall over them so im guessing thats why they didnt. how much does duct work cost? i could tear the old stuff out and what not. everything is easy access in the basement on a 1 story ranch. i think i could even do it if the price is alot. otherwise i could get them cleaned but i heard that can be expensive

gregzoll

There is no need to tear anything out. If you think that there are problems with duct sizing, etc, then you need to pay to have someone come in and assess the situation. Unless you know what you are doing, tearing into a already working or half-working system, without the knowledge, would just make things worst.

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jhack836

i hear what your saying. i do think it is undersized though. i think its the original

gregzoll

If this was tract build, the contractor that built this home and others, could have cut corners, which is typical. If you get the duct sizing, equipment manufacturer & model #s, temp from the return at the furnace, temp at the farthest point, temp at the output at the furnace, temp at the farthest point, ambient air temp downstairs, ambient air temp upstairs in various room, there are others on here that can tell you if you are getting the best.

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