using only one cold air return?

Question

I have a furnace that is up in my attic.The vents blow the hot air down from the ceiling.The cold air returns go from under the house which is a damp musty crawl space.Can I use just one cold air return for the furnace and block the others which smell musty?

Answer 1

no, dont block your returns,,,,,,your furnace and ductwork were designed to work together,,,,your hvac guy that installed it used a formula to determine how many returns you needed and what size they should be,,,,,,if you close off returns and use your central air conditioning, you will turn your a-coil into a block of ice,,,,,,,,,,even if you dont use central air conditioning, you really need your return air vents to operate,,,,that warm air you want your furnace to provide has to come from somewhere,,and that somewhere is you rooms via the return air ducts,,,

Answer 2

That depends on how big the house is and how many vents you have and so fort. You can try it but does this one return not come from the basement? Sounds like you need to open some outside vents in the basement so it can dry or air out. This would help. It's been a wet year in a lot of places. Try opening crawl space openings on days when it's warmer and not wet or humid and even leave one or two open when the furnace is on to speed the process by it pulling the air through the crawlspace. Good luck.

Answer 3

the more cold air returns the better.most homes only have one cold air return but usually do not heat well because the air in each room needs to return to the furnace to be reheated.One room is usually colder than another because the air is not balanced the closest room to the furnance is usually the warmest

Answer 4

First, there are multiple variables in touch stunning right here. you will might desire to ascertain if the unit is producing any heat temperature in any appreciate. it somewhat is in many cases very risky, as all exams to factors will must be achieved with provider panels open. mutually as you at the instant are not any extra electrically Savoy, do not attempt this as you are able to truthfully get electrocuted. regrettably, the only shelter factor of do is co call an HVAC contractor. yet for reference purposes, style new electric powered furnaces are somewhat decrease priced, so do not bury your self in maintenance for an previous dogs if estimates are attainable in above 500. replace it.