Should cold air returns be up high or down low?

For optimal efficiency, it’s ideal to have return registers installed. To ensure efficiency during the cooling season, your home should have high registers. High return registers draw hot air that rises to the ceiling back into the system to repeat the cooling cycle.

Where a cold air return should be installed?

Two locations where a cold air return should be installed: Open area of wall and low to the ground.

How do you install a cold air return?

Nail a piece of sheet metal onto the back of a stud cavity. Cut two holes — one in the stud cavity and the other one into the existing return (Image 2). Secure start collars (Image 3) into both holes. Use non-insulated, flexible ducting to connect the two returns (Image 4). Use plastic cable ties to secure the ducting.

How to install a cold air return duct in the basement?

The steps were simple. Turn off furnace. Find a good place in the basement wall to install the intake vent. Cut a hole in your drywall for the vent boot very close to the floor. Find a good place to cut a hole in the return air duct. Make sure you cut the hole BEFORE the filter, so you get filtered air going through the furnace.

Where to cut a hole for a vent boot?

Cut a hole in your drywall for the vent boot very close to the floor. The cold air hangs out by the floor, so the closer the better. I drew lines for the cutout on the drywall and drilled starter holes for the Skill saw. This step makes a drywall mess. Find a good place to cut a hole in the return air duct.

Where does a return air vent come from?

This type of installation is particularly useful when installing a return vent in an older home and allows you to utilize the existing construction. Today we’re going to install a return air supply for this furnace. Return air comes in the bottom where the blower cavity is.