Results 1 to 10 of 10
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Caledon, Ontario
    Posts
    4,982

    Default Placement of supply registers in basement

    Looking for any research or other articles which would substantiate placement of supply registers at basement floor level rather than at the ceiling level.

    Thank you.

    Similar Threads:
    Inspection Referral

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Atlanta, Georgia
    Posts
    1,088

    Default Re: Placement of supply registers in basement

    To some degree it might matter what season you have more of.

    Here in the South we don't worry about heating. We only care about air conditioning. We only have temps below 40 F for about 30-45 days a year. Registers on the floor spewing air conditioning are poor designs.

    Most of the basements in the South are walk out basements with only one wall fully below grade. We have different mositure concerns as a result.

    Up in the frozen north where you bury you basements and spend 4-6 months heating, ceiling mounted registers probably makes more sense.

    "The Code is not a peak to reach but a foundation to build from."

  3. #3
    David Bell's Avatar
    David Bell Guest

    Default Re: Placement of supply registers in basement

    The register cfm and throw is more important here. Just like on any other floor of the house the object for heating is to "wash" the outside wall with heat. The flow pattern should be strong enough to create a tumbling effect of the air, providing an even feel in the space.


  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Chicago IL
    Posts
    2,048

    Default Re: Placement of supply registers in basement

    Sorry, don't recall reading anything in Manual D that addresses that. Running along the floor in the basement .. would mean they are running a trunk inside the wall along the floor? I'd be concerned about contamination in the event of any water seepage into the basement. Also the trunk could act as a good raceway for rodents. I'd also want the trunk line insulated so the metal isn't in direct contact with the concrete. Placement of furniture blocking air flow could also be an issue.

    www.aic-chicago.com
    773/844-4AIC
    "The Code is not a ceiling to reach but a floor to work up from"

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Caledon, Ontario
    Posts
    4,982

    Default Re: Placement of supply registers in basement

    I should clarify that the supply registers would be approx. 12" above the floor and not in the floor but located on the wall.


  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Maryland
    Posts
    2,809

    Default Re: Placement of supply registers in basement

    Look to system design concepts for air circulation at varying temp and density.
    Look for books that are for the teaching of HVAC trade.
    The key is book, n. ot online. Book will have more in-dept information.
    Put in a call to your local trade school.


  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    Utah
    Posts
    390

    Default Re: Placement of supply registers in basement

    Ontario? Locate the registers near the floor in the basement just like you would on the main level.

    Also locate your returns at floor level as well to pick up the coldest air to return to the furnace.


  8. #8
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    Omaha
    Posts
    143

    Default Re: Placement of supply registers in basement

    The placement of registers is to compensate for air leaks and low insulation levels. In a tight, well insualted house there is not the need to bring vents to the outside walls.

    I tight, well insulated home will not have the cold spots that require strong mixing strategies. If you are in the planning stages go for a tight well insulated home. Seal the sill plate and rim joist with spray foam. Shoving a piece of fiberglass up there is basically useless, no air stopping potential and doesn't really insulate.

    For a warm basement floor insulate with 4" or more of rigid foam. A thermo-mass wall with 4" of rigid insulation inside the poured concrete acts as the insulation and a capillary break.

    I like ceiling vents as they are not blocked by furniture. With a tight, well insulated house the air will not stratify like it will in a home that is poorly built.


  9. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Cape Cod, Massachusetts
    Posts
    614

    Default Re: Placement of supply registers in basement

    Quote Originally Posted by Raymond Wand
    Looking for any research or other articles which would substantiate placement of supply registers at basement floor level rather than at the ceiling level.
    The location of the register can be where you want it to be as long as it is designed properly. Supply air quantity is determined by the heat loss. Registers are selected to distribute that air quantity bases on throw and velocity. They can be located where ever you want them to be.


  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    Utah
    Posts
    390

    Default Re: Placement of supply registers in basement

    Quote Originally Posted by Ken Amelin View Post
    The location of the register can be where you want it to be as long as it is designed properly. Supply air quantity is determined by the heat loss. Registers are selected to distribute that air quantity bases on throw and velocity. They can be located where ever you want them to be.
    At the risk of beating a dead horse . . .

    Of course registers can be placed wherever you want but to improve comfort they should be place at the location of the greatest heat loss/gain; at the outside wall near windows. (The best external glazing still loses 12 times the amount of heat per SF than that of a very well insulated wall.)

    Placing registers on inside walls and blowing to the outside wall is great for cooling but in a heating application it can be a major mistake. The idea is to eliminate drafts.

    And a tight well insulated home will stratify and is compounded if the furnace selection is incorrect or inefficient.


Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •