Air return askew? used doublewide
Posted: Sat May 15, 2010 1:31 pm
Newbie here. What little I know here I have learned in the last few days on the internet. But I've worked in several shipyard trades and have some background and fair mechanical ability.
I have a used doublewide and while replacing the air filter noticed something that may be a little out of order. Plus, the air in the sheetrock return box makes a loud whistling noise.
The sheet metal piece thingy mounted in the floor (the air filter is in the wall) is oval 10" x 16" at floor level and tapers down to round at 10" diameter. It goes straight down. I don't know what it is called.
Went underneath and a short 12" dia. straight piece is mounted/joined (taped) to the tapered piece above. Then there is 12" flex, then a 12/14 increaser/reducer, then 14" flex right to the package AC unit.
I think they used the 10 x 16 oval thingy because to get a 12 or 14 round collar in there they would have had take a torch to the steel frame or do a lot of grinding, dangerous and really messing up the insulation. imo this should just be left alone, as is. But I want to increase return air flow capacity and reduce friction.
So I want to put in a floor register with a filter and run flex to a tee in the 14" flex return duct underneath, sort of doubling the return capacity of what now exists. I'm thinking the new, added flex should be 12" or 14".
Could you please tell me what the stuff I need to buy is called, and walk me through the basic steps? Thank you.
I am able to find a location between joists and away from steel (I hope).
I have a used doublewide and while replacing the air filter noticed something that may be a little out of order. Plus, the air in the sheetrock return box makes a loud whistling noise.
The sheet metal piece thingy mounted in the floor (the air filter is in the wall) is oval 10" x 16" at floor level and tapers down to round at 10" diameter. It goes straight down. I don't know what it is called.
Went underneath and a short 12" dia. straight piece is mounted/joined (taped) to the tapered piece above. Then there is 12" flex, then a 12/14 increaser/reducer, then 14" flex right to the package AC unit.
I think they used the 10 x 16 oval thingy because to get a 12 or 14 round collar in there they would have had take a torch to the steel frame or do a lot of grinding, dangerous and really messing up the insulation. imo this should just be left alone, as is. But I want to increase return air flow capacity and reduce friction.
So I want to put in a floor register with a filter and run flex to a tee in the 14" flex return duct underneath, sort of doubling the return capacity of what now exists. I'm thinking the new, added flex should be 12" or 14".
Could you please tell me what the stuff I need to buy is called, and walk me through the basic steps? Thank you.
I am able to find a location between joists and away from steel (I hope).