Moving Cold air return

[beck412]

My problem is that all of my duct work was run through my attic. I used to have only central air with baseboard heaters. Luckily my old AC unit bit the dust and I had to replace it. I chose a heat pump which made my baseboard heaters obsolete. SO, my air return is in the ceiling and my heat gets sucked right back into the system. My house is decently warm but I can't help but think if I lowered the air return it may help my house be warmer and at the same time lower my heating costs a bit. I have a linen closet right next to the opening of the existing return. I realize I would have to run something down the inside of the closet with a vent and filter installed on the door. It is a small closet so losing that space wouldn't really affect me at all, and I am pretty sure I could do the work myself. Would it be feasible for me to turn that closet into an air return financially? I plan on living here for a good 20 years yet.

[Jarredsdad]

Originally Posted by beck412

Would it be feasible for me to turn that closet into an air return financially?

Try as I may, I can't see your wallet or bank statement from here.

I would add a return rather than move the existing.

[beck412]

OK, bank book is pretty low with the way the economy is and my place of employment has cut way back on hours. I can see adding another air return but I would still have the one in the ceiling that pulls the heat back out of the house. When I add a second one could I block off the ceiling one during the seasons I run the heat without causing problems? I could see somehow closing/blocking the ceiling return during heating months and closing the floor return during cooling months.

[Jarredsdad]

You could do that.

But in all honesty I think you're looking to save money where there is none to be saved. Haveing supply and returns both in the cieling is fine.

Adding a second return somewhere else in the house will save because the unit will move more air around.