Construction methods?
#1
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Construction methods?
Can someone please give me or point me to a decent description of what
construction methods are allowed for air returns in a residential
application?
Specifically, are we still allowed to box in the space between a
couple of floor joists as part of a return air run? If not, what else
*is* allowed?
This is in 60 year old wood frame construction, with gas forced air that replaced the original "gravity" furnace.
Thanks!
Mike D.
construction methods are allowed for air returns in a residential
application?
Specifically, are we still allowed to box in the space between a
couple of floor joists as part of a return air run? If not, what else
*is* allowed?
This is in 60 year old wood frame construction, with gas forced air that replaced the original "gravity" furnace.
Thanks!
Mike D.
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What's Allowed
In general, using panned off floor joists as a return duct system is not acceptable, BUT, you should ask your local officials code related questions since codes, or the lack thereof, vary widely from area to area.
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Grady wrote:
"In general, using panned off floor joists as a return duct system is not acceptable, BUT, you should ask your local officials code related questions since codes, or the lack thereof, vary widely from area to area."
Thanks Grady. I will be pulling permits and working with the local inspectors, but at this stage I'm trying to learn enough to not feel completely ignorant talking to them.
So, ducting built to the same standards as supply runs is what is required? Or are there any permissible differences?
Thanks,
Mike D.
"In general, using panned off floor joists as a return duct system is not acceptable, BUT, you should ask your local officials code related questions since codes, or the lack thereof, vary widely from area to area."
Thanks Grady. I will be pulling permits and working with the local inspectors, but at this stage I'm trying to learn enough to not feel completely ignorant talking to them.
So, ducting built to the same standards as supply runs is what is required? Or are there any permissible differences?
Thanks,
Mike D.
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Codes
Airman's reply just goes to show you an example of how codes differ from place to place. My local codes used to allow systems like Airman's. Then the floor joists had to be panned off with either sheet metal or ductboard. Now we have to use a duct system like that used for the supplies.
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Thank you gentlemen! At least I understand the degree of variation from place to place well enough to know that asking the inspecter what's allowed around here won't make me look foolish.
Being able to pan the joists and block the ends would simplify construction, but worst case I'll have to do a bit of carpentry to make room for proper ducts.
I've stepped through the design process for adding these two rooms to the system and had worked out nearly every detail of the job except for this. Thanks for helping me finish my planning.
Be well,
Mike D.
Being able to pan the joists and block the ends would simplify construction, but worst case I'll have to do a bit of carpentry to make room for proper ducts.
I've stepped through the design process for adding these two rooms to the system and had worked out nearly every detail of the job except for this. Thanks for helping me finish my planning.
Be well,
Mike D.