Can I draw cold air from basement for cooling???
#1
09-28-06, 07:10 PM
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Can I draw cold air from basement for cooling???
I've wondered this since childhood:
Why can't I install a large hinged "door" on my intake return in the basement on my furnace to draw the cold air from my basement? I would install this (air tight so when it was closed it would not disrupt heating) before the filter, so the air would be filtered, and our basement air is pretty dry (35%). I know this would cut down on running the heat pump for cooling a lot.
So...why isn't this done more often? Should I not do it??
Why can't I install a large hinged "door" on my intake return in the basement on my furnace to draw the cold air from my basement? I would install this (air tight so when it was closed it would not disrupt heating) before the filter, so the air would be filtered, and our basement air is pretty dry (35%). I know this would cut down on running the heat pump for cooling a lot.
So...why isn't this done more often? Should I not do it??
#2
09-28-06, 07:42 PM
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How about a return grile? Are their vents in your basement? How much is your door to the basement undercut?
#3
09-28-06, 07:47 PM
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Can I draw cold air from basement for cooling???
In cooler climates that do air condition sustantially, the cool air in the basement can help reduce the air conditioning load because of the moderating effect of the soil surrounding the house.
My home has an open stairway between the two levels and I run my variable speed fan constantly when I am either heating or cooling. I have two returns near the floor in the basement that pick up the cool air. It certainly does help in both the summer and winter.
Dick
My home has an open stairway between the two levels and I run my variable speed fan constantly when I am either heating or cooling. I have two returns near the floor in the basement that pick up the cool air. It certainly does help in both the summer and winter.
Dick
#5
09-29-06, 03:24 PM
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What??
Originally Posted by Ed Imeduc
Well how is the air going to get down there to that return from the 1st floor?? Any out lets down in the basement??
I'm thinking I'd have to damper off some of the actual return duct so I'm drawing enough air from the new intake point. I'll be sure not to put a strain on the motor though.
I'm hoping this will pump the cold air upstairs and cut down on running the AC so much.
#6
09-29-06, 07:07 PM
I'm wanting to install a manual intake point in the basement on the return side to draw in cool air from the basement and run the furnace on fan mode.
Ok where will the the blower get the air from. You have no return to let air into the basement.
ED
Ok where will the the blower get the air from. You have no return to let air into the basement.
ED
