OK to use Electric in Basement?

[Hube]

Without seeing or knowing the exact locations and sizes of your heating lay-out it would be impossible to give you any exact revision procedures.Sizes of duct, locations,etc are a specialized field of the Trade and take many hours of learning and experience to do whats required. Why not call in a couple of Techs and obtain their views "hands on" to the situation. You will learn a few things and should be under no obligation. Then you can decide which path to take. Good luck...Hube

[ajg93]

Thanks Hube. I will take your advice. However, I don't think I need a Tech to install a return in my basement. I just need to know if I can use some ducting to run off the main r/a trunk to create vents in the walls of my laundry room that face into the finished areas.

[Hube]

A Return duct can be made using a joist space, as long as its reasonably sealed and makes its way back to the main return leg or into the furnace before entering the air filter. The only difficulty will be in getting the right size of entry etc, to avoid "short changing" the rest of the air system, and therefor adding to your problems.Also, if adding Returns to this basement make sure they are located LOW (at floor level). Do not put them High or all they will do is remove any heat you do have in this basement area... Hube

[ajg93]

If I am not able to use a joist space (since this is the basement and there are no joists that drop into the return trunk) can I use ducting off r/a truck to create the vent?

Adam

[Hube]

Sure, you can use ducting to provide the R/A to the unit, but the difficulty will still be in obtaining the proper sizing ,etc, so as not to disrupt anything good that you have now. A complete consenus of your lay-out would take the GUESS WORK out this problem. It must be done by a Pro. A hour of checking it over should give you definite solution to restoring the proper circulation thru-out the house. it may cost you 40 or 50 bucks or so, but it would be be worth it.. Again, i suggest you call in a pro to check it out and advise you as to any further installation of duct work. If you dont' have a clue as to sizez, etc, any guesswork you add yourself will most likely add to your problem. Hube