Tapping into the ducts in the basement.

[letitbe]

We have a about 1500 sq. ft. of leaving space (2 levels) and unheated basement and a 3ton heat pump.

We're planning to build a small room 9x12 in the basement. The main supply and return ducts will be going straight across the new room's ceiling. The heatpump seems to be quite powerful and it turns off very quickly unless the temperature is in the 20s.

1. Can I just cut a whole in the main supply duct (the bottom portion), and install a vent? If not what would be the solution?

2. For return, I suppose I need to run some flexible ducts down, so that return is close to the floor and in the other corner of the room.

3. The basement doesn't require much aircondioning in summer time. Is it OK to shut off the supply and return vents during summer time?

I would appreciate any advice.

Thanks!

[Ed Imeduc]

#1 Best to run the outlet to just off the outside wall
blowing down. come off the top of the heat duct .

#2 cut the cold air in out of the return air duct and see if you cant work it so it can jus use a stud space to teh floor to pick up the cold air.


#3 No let them open some yes it feels cool .But you have to get some of the humidity out down there so the duct work dont sweat. Anyway it helps to keep the whole home cool . its not a loss

ED ;)

[letitbe]

Why do I need to come off the top of the heat duct? I am asking because in this case, I will have to take down the whole duct system...

[Jay11J]

if you take off on the top like the others vents are, you won't have to build a box around it..

You should be able to cut a hole in the duct when it' in it's place. Just be a little harder to do.. If you can't do it then do a side take off and then go back up into the joist and run it to the outside wall by the window(s)

[Ed Imeduc]

Have to ask why do you have to take the duct down to cut a hole in the top of it for a take off? Go in between two joist. Dont use a round take off get a square to 6"round take off. When you come off the side thats like 2 90oL so we look at that like its 10ft more of pipe drag.


ED ;)