Need som HVAC help

[The_Real_TCIII]

So I took out some built ins in order to put in a pantry. As luck would have it the wall contained a cold air return. No tin, just the space between the studs. The actual return upstairs is a few feet away on a perpendicular wall. So I assume that has to be rerouted or my system won’t work correctly? I’ve called both guys we know for six days now without even a return phone call

 

 

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[nodeerhere]

How big is the return upstairs? How many other returns are in the house? 

[The_Real_TCIII]

How big is the return upstairs? How many other returns are in the house? 

It’s just a standard size, 7x11?. There are at least two more upstairs


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[moog5050]

Might bot be as efficient but I bet you can get away without rerouting.

[The_Real_TCIII]

I think I’ll try it. Worst case I’m tearing out a wall inside a closet to re connect it


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[nodeerhere]

the prob is if the return is on a bedroom and u have a/c the bedroom needs that return. So I'm assuming you're going to drywall that back wall. Where the plumbing is. I would use a hole saw and cut the center out of the floor plate on the last bay. (The one with the blue box for the switch. Connect it to trunk would down stairs. After u drywall it u have a return cavity. The use a piece of wall stack or trunk work and connect to the top! Stud it in. Drywall it and nobody will ever know 

[landtracdeerhunter]

At worst, you may feel a draft going down the stairway. With two more upstairs, you may just have to balance the system, if it was ever balanced to start with.

[The_Real_TCIII]

I think I’ll try it. Worst case I’m tearing out a wall inside a closet to re connect it


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[The_Real_TCIII]

the prob is if the return is on a bedroom and u have a/c the bedroom needs that return. So I'm assuming you're going to drywall that back wall. Where the plumbing is. I would use a hole saw and cut the center out of the floor plate on the last bay. (The one with the blue box for the switch. Connect it to trunk would down stairs. After u drywall it u have a return cavity. The use a piece of wall stack or trunk work and connect to the top! Stud it in. Drywall it and nobody will ever know 

There is AC and there’s another return above the one in question. They told us to cover one or the other depending on heat or AC. Would that be the same return only a higher vent? I can take some pictures


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[Jeremy K]

I have nothing important to add except for when people on tv have a situation like yours , they get some crew in there to tear every sheet of drywall down and reinvent the whole system around some new micro switch that XYZ company just came out with . Leaves me scratching my head every time.

[Moho81]

I am not an HVAC guy but I know just enough to get myself in trouble. From the picture and the description you wrote that is a thru floor air transfer grill(never was duct work). It just allows air to move freely from one area to another then get picked up by the return duct you said was close by. 

Will that grill now be in the pantry closet? Is it between the 1st and 2nd floor or basement and 1st floor? 

 

[nodeerhere]

41 minutes ago, The_Real_TCIII said:

There is AC and there’s another return above the one in question. They told us to cover one or the other depending on heat or AC. Would that be the same return only a higher vent? I can take some pictures


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Yes take some pics. Please! And I am an Hvac guy. Have been in the business 20+ years. 

[moog5050]

You are going to take the advice of an HVAC guy over me?  I have changed my filter and flame sensor a few times just so you know my extensive qualifications.  lol.

Good of you nodeerhere.

[Moho81]

5 minutes ago, nodeerhere said:

Yes take some pics. Please! And I am an Hvac guy. Have been in the business 20+ years. 

Listen to this guy! LOL. 

[The_Real_TCIII]

14 minutes ago, nodeerhere said:

Yes take some pics. Please! And I am an Hvac guy. Have been in the business 20+ years. 

Are you in the Buffalo area?

[nodeerhere]

Yes

[The_Real_TCIII]

So here are the two returns we cover the high one in the Winter

 

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[The_Real_TCIII]

If youre in interested id be happy to have you check it out. I know its a small job

[nodeerhere]

I'm out of town till Monday. But I could take a look if u can wait. And yes both of those returns are in the same cavity. 

[The_Real_TCIII]

3 minutes ago, nodeerhere said:

I'm out of town till Monday. But I could take a look if u can wait. And yes both of those returns are in the same cavity. 

So theyre definitely necessary? Sure I can wait. Im out of town Tuesday-Friday

[The_Real_TCIII]

You are going to take the advice of an HVAC guy over me?  I have changed my filter and flame sensor a few times just so you know my extensive qualifications.  lol.
Good of you nodeerhere.

I’ll think of you as my child is shivering in the night




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[moog5050]

Just now, The_Real_TCIII said:

I’ll think of you as my child is shivering in the night




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That's what fireplaces and blankets are for.  At least that's what we use until I call a real HVAC guy.

[nodeerhere]

58 minutes ago, The_Real_TCIII said:

So theyre definitely necessary? Sure I can wait. Im out of town Tuesday-Friday

I would hook them back up if it were me. The more return u have the better for the a/c and it also is good for the heat exchanger on the furnace to cool properly after the flames shut off. 

[The_Real_TCIII]

2 hours ago, nodeerhere said:

I would hook them back up if it were me. The more return u have the better for the a/c and it also is good for the heat exchanger on the furnace to cool properly after the flames shut off. 

Youre the doctor. Ill shoot you a PM