Cold air return

[NrsKid]

Ok I already have started to add my new heat run to a section of my soon to be finished basement. I also need to add a cold air return for the section as well. Do I need to run new ducts for this as well or can I tap into the existing panned sheet metal on the floor joists and run it down through the stud cavitys? Any help would be greatly appreciated

[Jay11J]

Be best to do a new run for the return..

Otherwise, if you tap into the current panning, you will lose the draw on the return in the room it is in.

[NrsKid]

If I am going to add a new return line what pieces and parts will i need to make it work? How do I terminate the run and run it down thru the studded wall. I dont have alot of room to work on the top or side or the main plenum as the supply and return mains are sandwiched pretty tight together

[Ed Imeduc]

Not there cant see it. You can if you have the room take a 3 1/4" X 10"-12"14" Run it from the bottom of the cold air duct over to just inside the stud space for the return cut in at the floor. tap and bend it over in the hole in the bottom of the cold air duct and just put a cap on its end. There are lots of ways. If you can pan the joist over get a 3 1/4X? 90o- 6" boot cut the 3 1/4X in to the drywall stud space in the wall and the 6" up in the panning.


ED ;)

[NrsKid]

I could pan the joist to the wall but how do I connect the panning to the studded wall cavity, and the panning to the main trunk? Do I cut the top plate of the 2x4 wall out? I would like to keep everything in tucked up into the floor joist if possible. I could also use 6" pipe If that would make things simple.

[Jay11J]

Yes, you can cut out the top part of your 2 x 4

[NrsKid]

How would I then terminate and seal the end of the panning and run it down the stud cavity. And how would I hook the panning into the main trunk? Would using 6" pipe be any easier I would then just need a boot on the end correct? If anyone has any other idaes let me know. Thanx again

[Ed Imeduc]

You have to make 2 sheet metal ends. that fit into the joist. Now cut the plates out in the top of the wall. slip one end in there just the other side of the plate. now cut some kind of hole in top of the cold air duct in the same joist line. Put that other end in the joist past the hole in the duct
now just pan the joist from the wall over to the cold air duct. You got it made.

ED ;)