Central A/C Main Air Intake Question

Our intake is a big vent located at the top of the stairs in our second story. During installation, the hallway ceiling was dropped to create the intake "duct" to the a/c unit located at the other end of the hallway. Is that right? The installers did not do a good job of cleaning up there (its extremely dirty and there is insulation and debris laying about.) Would it make sense to rip down the dropped ceiling in the hallway and not have the main intake directly over the stairs? I would have to reposition the main intake at the other end of the hallway away from the stairs(16' away). I can’t help thinking that nasty space in my house is detrimental to our indoor air quality.

Thanks,
-chris

 

I think what they were trying to do was get the return opening away from the unit to cut down on noise. I assume your air handler is in the attic? Why didn't they just run return ducts up there to several rooms instead of just the one common return? You should also check local code to see if a "plenum" return is allowed in a residential application where you live.

 

sounds like they "panned" a joist space, not a real good method, get them back to clean up. if there is trash in the space you will get it back to the unit

 

I think what they plan on is for the A/C return there at the stairs to pick up the hot air as it comes up the stairway. But like what has been said .Check code there ,I know here you cant just use a chase any more for a cold air return. Has to be in duct work. ED