new basement - duct work

[tscotland]

Hi... i am finishing my basement into a one bedroom apt. i am wondering what is the code for running heating vents and return air ducts? Does each room need a return air? The heating is currently run along the cieling (unfinished basement) wouldn't it be better to run the vents down a wall so that the heat is coming out lower & then rises? I am really green on the issue of heating... Can you help?

[Jay11J]

Check with code in your area.. Lot of areas don't allow the shared system for rental due to air quality (Smellng someone else's cooking order, smoke.. ect)

Supply should stay in the ceiling towards the outsidewall/windows, and air flow blows downwards.. Return near the floor so it can pull the cold air off the floor.

[tscotland]

thanks for your help. The supplies are already in the cieling towards the outside wall, I guess I don't have to do anything for them. I will just need to worry about the returns. The home we are in is a two story brand new construction. I am building the basement apt as a "in-law suite" it is not a legal apt. I don't think that codes are the same for that. I will check into it though. how do I create the returns? Details?

[Ed Imeduc]

A lot is in the lay out you have there for the cold air. How many room and such. You can cut the bottom of the doors off 2" and cut a return right in the furnace cold air drop. Cut into the top of the cold air duct pan the joist over to the room wall. cut out the plate then cut into the drywall near the floor and put a 6"X14 "grill on it there in the room.

ED ;)