[RustyRealtor]

Hello All,

My HVAC vent openings are in my ceiling. Does code require me to install registers, or can I paint/finish the duct boots and forego the registers and have holes in the ceiling instead?

 

[roughneck]

Interior rooms will not be very comfortable with no diffuser to distribute the air throughout the space.
And the duct system will have a hard time building proper static pressure.
Diffusers aren’t just for looks. They have a mechanical purpose.

 

[user_12345a]

you'll get better results with diffusers, less of a draft and more even heating/cooling.

some reduce airflow quite a bit

 

[joecaption]

It's bad enough there in the ceiling, what buyer would want to see huge holes in the ceiling?

 

[Old Thomas]

Code in NY (typical of most) require that the heating system have performance characteristics of a specific temp near an outside wall. Without diffusers that might not be possible but it is a stretch to call it a violation. No one will arrest you for having no diffusers. But your house will be uncomfortable, in one chair you will sweat or freeze, in another chair your hat will blow off.

 

[RustyRealtor]

Thanks for the replies.

Diffusers it is.

I am worried about the reduction in air flow.

 

[roughneck]

What makes you worried about airflow?
The system should be designed for the use of diffusers.

 

[RustyRealtor]

The house is on a slab and I was forced to put the ducts in the attic. I spray foamed the attic. I had 2 9k Fujitsu ducted mini splits installed by a highly recommended HVAC company. The units are so quiet that I can't hear them run. There is not a huge volume of air coming from the duct openings and I worry that diffusers might cause restriction. Having read the responses on this post, I now realize that diffusers should increase air velocity. I will install the diffusers and post the results.
If I could go back in time, I would use different installers.

 

[SeniorSitizen]

I can say one thing for certain, at least in my case, but not in my house. Going to bed with the pillows directly under a ceiling supply without a diffuser will quickly cause you to remake the bed with the pillows at the foot end of the bed.:vs_laugh:and this is no joke.

 

[dj3]

"I am worried about the reduction in air flow."
- I doubt you'll have reduced air flow.