Return vent locale

[Jim B. Robinson]

This seems like an odd location for the gas-furnace return. The return for the bedroom, adjacent to this wall, is at the bottom of the wall, which is typical. This space is open concept including the kitchen and living room. Having the vent there does limit decorating ideas from a home owners pov.- of course proper hvac installation is more important.

Any ideas on this installation location?

[A.D. Miller]

This seems like an odd location for the gas-furnace return. The return for the bedroom, adjacent to this wall, is at the bottom of the wall, which is typical. This space is open concept including the kitchen and living room. Having the vent there does limit decorating ideas from a home owners pov.- of course proper hvac installation is more important.

Any ideas on this installation location?

JR: While it is not ideal, it does not appear to violate any codes. It would be interesting to see the HVAC section of the MEP drawings for the house to ascertain if this was intended to be installed there, or if the installer simply forgot his ladder on that day.:D

[Ted Menelly]

It's a smokers return air location.

Musta been smokin some good stuff :D

[David Bell]

Probably the most central return in the home,,on good days it will lift the hairpiece off the minister, on bad days he takes it off himself.

[David Bell]

JR: While it is not ideal, it does not appear to violate any codes. It would be interesting to see the HVAC section of the MEP drawings for the house to ascertain if this was intended to be installed there, or if the installer simply forgot his ladder on that day.:D


You are assuming there are any MEP drawings. Very rare that residential here have any,other than structrual

[Jim Luttrall]

At least it won't get blocked from furniture or drapes.
If you have floor vents for the supply it might actually perform better than it looks.

[Jim B. Robinson]

Probably the most central return in the home...


It is the most central and largest space encompassing the kitchen, dinette, and living rooms. The house is 3 yrs old and the present owner bought it from the builder 2 yrs ago.

[Jim B. Robinson]

At least it won't get blocked from furniture or drapes.
If you have floor vents for the supply it might actually perform better than it looks.


The supply is from floor registers.

The existing high return would perform better in summer as it would draw warm air back to the ac to be cooled. But in winter, we want to draw the cool air near the floor back to the furnace to be heated.

[A.D. Miller]

You are assuming there are any MEP drawings. Very rare that residential here have any,other than structrual

DB: If I am the inspector on the build, there WILL be MEP drawings.:D

[Rod Butler]

DB: If I am the inspector on the build, there WILL be MEP drawings.:D


I agree with David, it is rare to see MEP drawings unless it is a large custom home or a commercial multi unit housing project.

I have designed many large custom homes MEP systems and more often than not the installer doesn't follow the plan anyway.:(

[A.D. Miller]

I have designed many large custom homes MEP systems and more often than not the installer doesn't follow the plan anyway.

RB: You need to get sharper toes on your boots and a better aim.:D

[Jerry Peck]

DB: If I am the inspector on the build, there WILL be MEP drawings.:D

I agree with Aaron ... how on earth can you inspect something for which there is no known layout and design (providing that is what you are inspecting - new construction).

A single family home still requires plans, and those plans include electrical, plumbing, and mechanical in addition to structural.