Should I have a cold air return in the basement?

Every house should have proper air return throughout the house including the basement. Believe it or not, every room, including the basement should be the same temperature. Ensuring good placement of cold air returns is critical to ensure proper distribution of air flow.

Do I need a cold air return in basement?

I recommend that all basements should have at least 2 supply registers and 1 return register in the basement/equipment area just to keep that area slightly warm or cool and the air fresh. If you are going to finish that area to be used as living space, then more supply and returns will be needed.

Should there be a cold air return in every room?

While it is a myth that air return grilles are required in each and every room in the house, it is definitely necessary to have more than one of these grilles installed at strategic places in the house. The most important place to have these would be the bedroom.

What happens if a room doesn't have a cold air return?

The consequences of inadequate return air pathways

Some of that air will find its way under the door and through interior leaks back to the central return vent. The rest of it, though, will push through openings and leak to the outdoors and into interstitial spaces. It leaks out.

How many cold air return vents do you need?

Your Home Might Not Have Enough Return Vents

Having several return vents (ideally one in every room, but even two or three is better than just one) creates consistent air pressure. If you have one return vent, your home is fine. Keep the doors to each room open so air can properly circulate.

Cold Basement? The Importance of Air Returns for Added Comfort

How many air vents should be in a basement?

A general rule of thumb is that there is one vent for every 300 sq. Ft of basement area if the basement has been treated with a vapor barrier/damp sealer. In the case of the basement not being treated with a vapor barrier/damp sealer, more vents are advised, at least 1 vent for every 150 Sq. Ft of the basement area.

Should basement returns be high or low?

The basement one should be on the floor, not the ceiling of the basement. In the upper stories of the house, the return air duct openings on each floor should be approximately equal to the sum of the hot air outlets.

Should I open my basement vents in winter?

Air vents should be open to prevent damage

Increased air pressure can create cracks and holes in the ductwork. It can also cause your furnace's heat exchanger to crack. Leave all air vents open to prevent extensive damage to your home's heating system this winter.

How can I increase the airflow in my basement?

Mechanical ventilation can be accomplished in several ways: Placing a fan in front of a window and pointing it so that the indoor air is pushed outdoors. If you have a second window or door in the basement, you can crack it slightly to further improve ventilation. Installing an exhaust fan with a ventilation pipe.

Can I use flexible duct for cold air return?

Yes, you can use flex ducts for your return air. However, to maximize its usefulness, it needs to conform to technical specifications such as its insulation rating, pressure checks, dust filters, duct sizing and placement, and lastly, the installation requirements.

Does cold air rise from basement?

Some of the coldest air found in your home tends to be in the basement. When this cold air rises, it is drawn across the floor of the main level, causing cold feet and other comfort problems. To battle this, you could wear really warm socks–but you could also heat your basement.

Where should air returns be located?

They must be correctly placed and unobstructed —Return ducts are usually placed in hallways, under stairwells, or in larger open areas of your home. This placement ensures that they will be able to pull in enough air to take back to the HVAC equipment.

Why is my finished basement so cold?

Basements tend to be damper than other places in your house. This is often caused by water seeping through the concrete foundation, rising from a dirt floor or simply because of poor ventilation. This higher level of moisture in the air will end up making you feel much colder than the ambient air temperature.

Can cold air returns be in the ceiling?

Most homes across the U.S. have forced air systems and in newer homes there will be cold air return vents placed at both the ceiling and the floor of many rooms. Having two air return vents allows you to seasonally control which air is returning to the HVAC system. In older homes, this may not be an option.

How big should a basement cold air return be?

You should install 1 return vent per 200-300 sq ft of basement. This is not an exact figure; it's a ballpark estimate. For an exact figure, you will need to consult with an HVAC specialist. Example: If you have a 500 sq ft basement, you will probably need 2 cold air return vents.

Do you need air vents in a basement?

If there's any room in a house that is prone to humidity, moisture problems and mold, it's the basement. Proper ventilation is the key to keeping odors and water damage at bay.

Will a cold air return make a room warmer?

When warm air is delivered to a room, the existing cold air in that room is pushed into the cold air returns. Once inside your cold air returns, that air travels through your ductwork back to your furnace where it is filtered, heated and sent back to warm your home.

How important is the return air vent?

Your AC's return air vent is a critical component of an HVAC system and serves several purposes. Not only do return air vents maintain your home's air pressure and filter out debris, they can also serve to save you on energy costs and expenses, which is important here in hot and humid Gainesville, Fla.

How do I know if I have enough return air?

If you were to put a wet finger close to the vent that is generating airflow, you should be able to tell if there is a lot of airflow or not enough airflow. This is the simplest way to tell if you are getting enough return air. If you lick your finger and put it close to the return vents, you will feel the airflow.

Is it OK to block return vents?

It's important not to block your return air vent because your HVAC system needs constant return air to work properly. Blocked air return ducts will cause your system to lose energy efficiency and cause premature failure of your HVAC system.

Can you put a couch in front of a cold air return?

Home Inspection Insider explains that an air return vent needs 6-12 inches of space in front of it, and recommends that you do not put large, bulky furniture like couches and bookshelves in front of an air return vent.

Why is my basement so hot in the winter?

Excessive basement heat is likely originating from the furnace directly or through the HVAC system. Check for and seal leaking ducts, clean the furnace filter, ensure all vents and registers are open, adjust dampers, install more return vents, and/or insulate ductwork.