Doubt your existing duct is big enough for the basement also. Should run a new trunk line for it.
I am new at this. Could you please explain what you meant by "zone it"?If you zone it, it should do ok.
1. Yes, you can tap the trunk duct for additional basement branch ducts.Hi,
First, I like to say that this forum has helped me a great deal in the past, and
I hope anyone can give me some more guidance in my effort to finish my basement myself. :thumbup:
So, I am about to start framing the basement, but I notice my builder didn't install many air vents for the basement. There are only 2 opening from the main air duct coming out from the HVAC, one on each end. There are other vents that feed the main floor.
I am thinking to create some rooms in the basement (i.e. entertainment room, a full bathroom, and a big open room). I think each of them needs at least 1 air vent and the big open room needs 2 air vents.
Here are the questions that come to mind at this time:
* Can I just tap the main air duct to create additional air ducts for the rooms?
* Isn't there air pressure calculation that I need to consider? If so, please direct me to sites that can give me guidance.
* Since I live in VA, are there codes, especially for the bathroom, that I need to know before messing around with the existing air duct?
Thanks!
Nick
it consist of 2 or more motorized dampers that are controlled by a zone panel that the thermostats are wired to along with your furnace and A/C. The damper for the calling zone opens and the other one closes. So air is only blown into the area that needs heat or cooling.I am new at this. Could you please explain what you meant by "zone it"?
Thanks,
Nick
You could do it this way, but trust me...youre not going to want to go to the expense . Simply adjust manual balancing dampers as ive said above, until you get the amount of air you desire for the basement rooms.it consist of 2 or more motorized dampers that are controlled by a zone panel that the thermostats are wired to along with your furnace and A/C. The damper for the calling zone opens and the other one closes. So air is only blown into the area that needs heat or cooling.
And if he has central A/C he has to re-balance the dampers twice a year. Or the basement will over cool too much.You could do it this way, but trust me...youre not going to want to go to the expense . Simply adjust manual balancing dampers as ive said above, until you get the amount of air you desire for the basement rooms.
Turning 2 or 3 mechanical dampers by hand can be placed on his seasonal list of things to do , just like changing oil or the air filter in his furnace. I encourage the OP to check into the cost of 3 motorized dampers, thermostats, and his time to install them to see if HE thinks its worth it.And if he has central A/C he has to re-balance the dampers twice a year. Or the basement will over cool too much.
Zone system when done DIY is not expensive. Plus can save on heating and cooling cost since he won't have be heating and cooling the basement to normal comfort level 24/7 if he doesn't want.
The convience alone is worht it.Turning 2 or 3 mechanical dampers by hand can be placed on his seasonal list of things to do , just like changing oil or the air filter in his furnace. I encourage the OP to check into the cost of 3 motorized dampers, thermostats, and his time to install them to see if HE thinks its worth it.
What happened? The basement become too warm in winter and the first floor become too cold in winter, and the other way in summer?I've had a few friends zone first and second floor but not basement, and they have been kicking them selfs since.