BAsement Cold Air return

srinner · February 20, 2009, 12:38am

Is there an issue with having a cold air return in the basement? Does not seem right.

Your thoughts will be appreciated.

Thanks

lkage · February 20, 2009, 12:46am

It shouldn’t be within 10 feet of the furnace…

dmacy · February 20, 2009, 2:13am

Negative pressure can be created and combustion products can be blown throughout the home.

gveal · February 26, 2009, 10:46pm

Steve,
If I am seeing/understanding YOUR picture in total, this particular installation would not be a problem (at least in my area of the country) because of the shear volume of the space, and the placement of the WH in the space in relation to the return air opening in the R/A plenum.
The problem(s) will occur when the owner decides to enclose the mechanical equipment. He/She may or may not know how the changes they make will effect the operation and/or safety after the addition. I’ve seen obvious professional contractors work, when the made mistakes in their design of the enclosure.

kbraun · February 27, 2009, 1:51am

Ditto to all of the above, plus I don’t advise introducing basement air into the circulation. (No return air in kitchens, bathrooms or basements) Maybe there is not a sufficient amount of R.A. grilles, causing the furnace to run hot - this was the installer’s solution.