Live in nepa, have goodman 4 ton heat pump w/propane back up. Foam insulated about 1200 square feet that I want to heat. I am at the end and ready to put up the dividing wall.I have 2 returns and 3 exhausts, I'm going to add 2 more exhausts, I get plenty of push from the system now, my question is do I open the now closed returns year round to pull the air out and if so should I add another? I ran 8 inch metal to 6 and with the air on you can feel the cold air immediately cool off the shop even with 90 degrees out.
Basement – Exchanging air in basement
basement
Best Answer
The best systems have a return in every room that has a supply register, but a lot of systems work just fine with only a central return (usually located right at the furnace). To achieve the highest efficiency, you're going to have to do a heat load calculation, however it sounds like it's working fine.
A good system will have balancing dampers placed throughout the duct work, but you can also balance the system by e.g., half closing all of the registers upstairs, to force more air into the basement.