Cold air return in basement

[htsource]

Hi,

I noticed by our new house in the basement, there's a cold air return that has a vent that I can open/close. It's a fairly big cold air return about 10 ft from the furnace. Should I leave it open or close or depending on the seasons?

Appreciate your response.

 

[CollinR]

I assume it's filtered and I would have it open in the summer closed in the winter.

Cool however I have never seen something like that before.

 

[pete]

Hi,

I noticed by our new house in the basement, there's a cold air return that has a vent that I can open/close. It's a fairly big cold air return about 10 ft from the furnace. Should I leave it open or close or depending on the seasons?

Appreciate your response.

Is it returning air from the basement? (ie:just a grill on the side of the duct) What other returns are in the system? Is this heat and A/C or just one of those?

 

[beelzerob]

Interesting idea, that....sure, in the summer you'd be pulling cooler air from the basement (though I'd also guess wetter air). But it makes me wonder what happens when air is pushed into rooms with no return air suction on the other side. I'd wonder if that impedes the flow of air enough to offset any gains.

 

[pete]

Interesting idea, that....sure, in the summer you'd be pulling cooler air from the basement (though I'd also guess wetter air). But it makes me wonder what happens when air is pushed into rooms with no return air suction on the other side. I'd wonder if that impedes the flow of air enough to offset any gains.

most likely there is another register/grill on the supply side. . if you're in the basement, or have other reasons, you can open them and, depending on size, temper or condition the space . .

a little heat to take the chill out is good during the winter, and as heat goes up, there is very little loss . .

a little A/C to help dehumidify the space can be OK during the summer, but losses will be higher . .

many factors to consider, so YMMV

 

[CollinR]

I'd wonder if that impedes the flow of air enough to offset any gains.

Very true, every CFM coming in from there needs a CFM of air going ?

This should be researched, if your house is tightly sealed you might be able to pressurize it. lol

You may have an attic fan or another similar situation going on in the attic and the two are used in tandem.