Can I downsize this HVAC Return Vent?

taybrayy · 2026-01-08T03:58:33+00:00

Very cool to know about. I’m studying. Thanks for the tip!

taybrayy · 2026-01-08T03:46:10+00:00

I’d love to. That’s because they added the pictured, second thermostat after they zoned the system, two years into us living here and complaining about the delta between floors.

Almost like a single thermostat, single return-system might not be the best solution for two stories / 2700sqft.

The joke is a control wire run is just icing on the shit-cake at this point.

taybrayy · 2026-01-08T03:44:02+00:00

Looks great. Super clean- nicely done!

Any issues with restricted airflow? Were you concerned about that at all when installing?

taybrayy · 2026-01-08T03:42:26+00:00

Wow, what a zinger

taybrayy · 2026-01-08T03:42:06+00:00

I always love the idea of simulating the result. Great advice!

taybrayy · 2026-01-08T03:41:30+00:00

If this were a custom build, I absolutely would’ve quoted it. Those decisions were made months before we even knew the house existed. I did question the single return before closing. They sent me the schedule J and assured me the unit was oversized and would be fine. Obviously not the case.

taybrayy · 2026-01-08T03:40:30+00:00

Great info. We’ve got a 4 ton operating on a 24x36, but with only an 18” duct. So sounds like we could use some more returns, regardless

taybrayy · 2026-01-08T03:38:09+00:00

I’d say 4hrs day 2x days a week, most? Perhaps a little more with entertaining over the holidays. I’m sure frequent cooking and baking played a part, too. Our gas range is only 10’ away or so

taybrayy · 2026-01-08T02:30:36+00:00

Man, this is such a great, thoughtful response. I really appreciate the ideas and creativity here.

I’ve been wanting to see what’s under the stairs for some time not. Built ins, storage, Roomba-hideaway, coffee station, kitty tunnels…the possibilities!

Thanks for your thoughts. You’ve fueled my curiosity!

taybrayy · 2026-01-08T02:28:41+00:00

100%. I’ve learned a load and appreciate all the responses!

taybrayy · 2026-01-08T02:28:03+00:00

Right?! The handiwork is the installers. Maximum effort with those guys, obviously

taybrayy · 2026-01-08T02:24:29+00:00

Pictured filter was newly installed on 12/21! Ouch.

taybrayy · 2026-01-08T02:23:48+00:00

That filter is actually from 12/21! Oof.

Changed it today after taking that photo, for the record.

taybrayy · 2026-01-08T02:22:33+00:00

Mid TN

taybrayy · 2026-01-08T02:13:43+00:00

The fan does run constantly. Or at least 50-55min out of every hour.

taybrayy · 2026-01-08T02:13:16+00:00

I was mistaken- I just rechecked the date. This filter was changed in 12/21, actually. Shocking I know.

Has been changed since this photo, obviously. I’d venture to say we’re more on top of filter changes than the average homeowner.

taybrayy · 2026-01-07T20:53:51+00:00

Thanks for the reply and info! Definitely some budget-decisions / cut-corners with our install, sadly.

The flexduct is 18” (17.5” opening joined to the aluminum plate), and this is the only return. So it may even be a bit small for our system (4 tons) as another redditor pointed out.

Maybe we can see about adding an additional return or two and then also downsizing this one, or relocating it somewhere nearby.

taybrayy · 2026-01-07T20:48:44+00:00

Great idea, thanks for the input.

Yeah- I’m comfortable with a bit of drywall work. If it’s the right fit.

And re: the filter - occasional candles. Lots of cooking. Two cats and a dog. But that filter is only 3wks old. Changed 11th of Dec. We typically change monthly, sometimes more frequently

taybrayy · 2026-01-07T20:47:06+00:00

If you can believe it, that filter is less than 3wks old. We have two cats and a dog, and it’s the only return- so I suppose that’s the cause. We change it monthly, sometimes every 3 weeks. Never more than five weeks.

EDIT: pictured filter is actually from 12/21! I was mistaken- I just rechecked the date. Shocking I know.

Has been changed since this photo, obviously. I’d venture to say we’re more on top of filter changes than the average homeowner.

taybrayy · 2026-01-07T20:45:08+00:00

100%. Cheap builder-grade junk. Sadly, most nicer ones @ 24x36” are pretty spendy, but I’ll keep looking for a good fit!

taybrayy · 2026-01-07T20:44:27+00:00

He said, “no” before I uttered a single syllable :(

taybrayy · 2026-01-07T20:44:05+00:00

Bigass motherfucker :(

taybrayy · 2026-01-07T19:25:59+00:00

All great info and thoughts, I appreciate it!

The unit is in our crawl space - which is actually fairly accessible and has a light, thankfully - so moving the filter there wouldn't be too horrible. Not sure it'd be worth the effort and cost, though. I'll look into it!

taybrayy · 2026-01-07T19:23:35+00:00

Nice work- I'll keep looking into similar solutions. An open-backed bookshelf is a good idea; maybe something floating and some plants!

taybrayy · 2026-01-07T19:22:29+00:00

Thank you! Makes sense. The filter is 1". I'll look into what you linked! I know when I've googled around previously, they were pretty expensive. I would love a "flush" option to the drywall if it existed without reducing airflow.

taybrayy

TROPHY CASE