Thread: Air return under the doors

Hi everyone,

This is an old house that has been newly renovated. Originally there was electric baseboards but the owner has installed an electric forced-air central furnace. I've noted that in all the rooms, the air return is installed on the floor and under the doors.

Would you call it out in your report ?

Are flex ducts more noisy than rigid ones ?


Thanks

Having returns in bedrooms is now common place, however its common practice to install the return at the bottom of the wall at the floor with a operable louvre, and even better if there is a second return on the same duct higher up the wall with a louvre. During winter months the upper return is closed to draw cold air off the floor and in the summer the bottom louvre is closed so hot air is pulled from the ceiling area during A/C use.

Also there should be a return air duct in the hall way.

Don't care for accordion duct as all those ridges slow and restrict good air flow.

I would make note of it in my report and state to purchaser it could affect efficiency of heat/cool supply due to placement of return and use of accordion ducting.

Originally Posted by Christian Tag

Would you call it out in your report ?

That those are supply registers and not return grilles, returns should not be able to be shut off and those can be closed. Those may also be too small for the required return air.

Originally Posted by Christian Tag

Hi everyone,

I've noted that in all the rooms, the air return is installed on the floor and under the doors.

Are flex ducts more noisy than rigid ones ?


Thanks

I don't have a problem with the location, especially if it is on the opposite side of the room from the supply.

Yes, flex is quieter, use it all the time in theater rooms to control sound issues.

Originally Posted by Christian Tag

Hi everyone,

This is an old house that has been newly renovated. Originally there was electric baseboards but the owner has installed an electric forced-air central furnace. I've noted that in all the rooms, the air return is installed on the floor and under the doors.

Would you call it out in your report ?

Are flex ducts more noisy than rigid ones ?


Thanks

Location of returns has little effect on system operation, comfort or efficiency. Size is more important. That size would typically be ok for a standard bedroom. It is small for a large bedroom or other large rooms.