How to capitalize on my cool basement during summer?

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

Its not groundbreaking knowledge that basements stay cool year round.

Can I add a return vent in the ductwork of my unfinished basement to help pull air from it to my upper two floors?

Perhaps one that I can easily close in the winter?

Also, close my fresh air intake by maybe half to help prevent sucking in 90 degree air?

Any advice will be appreciated!

Edit - I live in Ohio FWIW. System is your standard heat pump with aux heat. Return vents on both upper floors. Fresh air intake next to my patio.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

mike_home
5 years ago
You can add a return to your basement. I take it you have no gas appliances. If that is the case you don't have to worry about causing a back draft of any chimneys. I suggest adding one supply to provide the air for the return. You can close it in the winter but my advice would be to leave open all the time.

Is the fresh air intake supposed to be make up are air for a vent hood? Is your house that tight? If it is then you may look into installing a heat recovery system.
cobalty2004
Original Author
5 years ago
Mike, my home is very air tight. The fresh air intake goes to the same ductwork that my cold air returns are, which goes to the bottom of my furnace.

No gas appliances, I didn't want to pay $18,000 for that option.
Related Professionals
North Adams General Contractors · Johnson City Home Remodeling · Torrington Home Remodeling · Amherst Home Remodeling · Westerly Home Remodeling · Columbia Bathroom Remodelers · Newport News Bathroom Remodelers · Lewiston Bathroom Remodelers · Lebanon Bathroom Remodelers · Middletown General Contractors · Barnstable General Contractors · Westerly General Contractors · Ontario General Contractors · Muncie Interior Designers & Decorators · Huron Cabinets & Cabinetry