Reflectix® RAPReflectix® RAP (Corrugated) is an alternative to conventional sheet metal for return air duct panning. It may be used to enclose the bottom of return air plenums, between the joist spaces, stud cavities, and wall and ceiling cavities.

How do you reroute a return air duct?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: To move the return vent down i simply cut out a space identical to the size of the return vent already right below where the existing return vent is to do this i used a box cutter.

Can a return be on the floor?





An air return on the floor collects much more dirt and debris such as hair and lint. For this reason wall air returns will require less frequent cleaning. Floor air returns must be clear of obstructions and heavy furniture. Transferring your air return to the wall will allow you to utilize your floor space more freely.

Can flexible duct be used for return?

Flex duct is widely used for return air in commercial air conditioning systems. Flex duct is able to withstand a certain negative pressure of return air. When installed properly, a flex duct is a reliable and convenient ductwork solution.

How do you install return air ducts on a floor?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: But for supply you can't have wires and pipes of them going through the line. So here we have framed out through this Bay right behind the furnace. It's going to go up into the floor base.

Can I move my cold air return?

If these are truly cold air returns, then the return duct is under the floor right at that point and there is an opening into the duct at the bottom of that knee wall. So the only way that you can move the cold air return openings is if the duct runs under another wall in the same room/area.

Can the return duct be too long?





No such thing as too large of a return duct. The bigger the better.

Can a return duct be in the floor?

Return vents are usually larger than heat registers and can generally be found close to the ground or in the floor in older homes or on a wall close to a ceiling in newer homes.

Should HVAC returns be high or 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.

Should cold air returns be in the floor?

Cold air returns are located on interior walls in a home, typically close to the floor or low on the wall. You want to make sure that cold air return vents are not blocked or covered by furniture so that your home can get proper air circulation.

Can you run duct through floor joists?



Floor joist cavities can make acceptable duct chases for insulated, air-sealed metal, flex, or fiberboard ducts.

How do you install joist panning?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Sure you Center the thermo pan between the bottom of the joist. And insert one end of the new sheet into the open lip of the thermo connector.

How do I make a return air plenum?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Probably gonna be a 3-piece box. You can make them a five-piece you can make them you know three-piece there's numerous ways that they can be made. And ain't none of them wrong necessarily.

How much does it cost to move a cold air return?



A return air drop replacement will run around $300-$400, including installation. In rare cases where a second drop needs to be added, the cost can be up to twice that amount. Sometimes, one or two individual duct runs need to be modified or added, for situations like the room addition we mentioned earlier.

How much does it cost to move air return?

Move an Exhaust Vent: national average cost

cost to move an exhaust vent
National Avg. Materials Cost per vent $79.69
National Avg. Cost (labor and materials) for 1 vent $493.59
National Cost Range (labor and materials) for 1 vent $448.77 – $538.41


Can a cold air return 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.

Where should HVAC 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.

How can I hide my cold air return?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Made if you still want to cover the air return vents even after painting it if you don't like it you can use a screen panel or a decorative door mat i'm using the screen panel.

Can you cover an air return?

While you should have a filter on your air return vent to prevent too much dust or moisture from entering your air system and recirculating back to you, you should never actually cover a return air vent. Keep furniture and even curtains at least 10” away from the vent opening in order to allow for proper air flow.

What happens if you block an air return?

In the heating cycle, blocked cold air returns can cause the heat exchanger inside the blower compartment to store too much heat and eventually crack. If the cracks are too large, the furnace can emit carbon monoxide into your home’s air. Such a condition normally requires a complete system replacement.