How can I redirect heat from a floor heating vent?

Question

I'm building a window seat directly over a floor heating vent. I need to redirect the heat from the floor vent to the front of the window seat but I don't know what I will need to do it?

Answer 1

Well, youve got some pretty intricately described methods here.. .and some that are inadequate...

As a woodworker myself, and yes, Ive built furniture to go over existing vents like this... I would simply build a channel under the bottom of the unit, to redirect the vented air to the front of the seat, with a decorative vent covering the opening. I make my 'vent channel' slightly wider than the vent itself. I like to put a set back at the bottom, like you see on kitchen cabinets (called a kickplate), and put the new vent there, so it isnt quite so obvious. Naturally, the 'kickplate' would have to be high enough to accomodate the vent cover... so plan ahead, hehehe.

A couple of other things I like to do... I like to line the vent channel under the piece of furniture with some scrap laminate (prevents mold build up from condensation during the air conditioner season), and I like to provide a small space, say, a half inch or so, around the vent itself. This acts as a 'breathing space', and you'll not have to worry about the inside bottom of the window seat getting too hot for storage. (you can even go so far as to add just a bit of foam insulation). At the back of the furniture piece, where the floor vent is actually located, I like to add a 'deflector'... usually I just make it out of whatever I am making the rest of the 'vent channel' out of... this helps direct the air flow to the front of the unit, more efficiently.

My guess is that you can make a vent channel to run under your window seat, right out of the scraps of plywood, or other material, you are using to make the unit.

Have Fun :)

Answer 2

If you window seat does have closed front wall then you can get away with cheap plastic heat deflector. If it is completely closed box, then you have a bit more challenging task. Heating and cooling designed for the house the way it is, and every re-modeling project may affect it greatly, since it relies on the certain level of air movement (convection). If your window seat enclosing your vent fully you can do it two ways. If possible, use some air gap between edges of your seat and side or back walls or incorporate some decorative mesh or louvers type inserts. Then leave the similar gaps or inserts between the front edge of the seat and floor. The trick is to have overall open to the air area being equal to you current vent area. If you vent is 6 by 3 inches and has louvers, then it area is 50% of 18 square inches or 9 square inches. If you made a gape of 1 by 9 inches on the top and 2 gaps 1 by 4.5 at the bottom or vise versa your heat will be fine.

Answer 3

Heat Vent Deflector

Answer 4

The previous 2 answers have the right idea. Just about any local hardware or building supply store will have diverters for under $10 that will redirect the air flow. You will also need a vent opening in the front of the window seat to allow the air to escape. You could use a standard vent available form the same supplier or get creative with some decorative metal that will allow air flow.

Answer 5

Floor Vent Deflector

Answer 6

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Answer 7

I had the unfortunate, but humorous problem that the vent directed the air under my toilet paper holder and unrolled the darn thing! My clever engineer husband I bought a large plastic box from the Container Store and cut chunks out that included the curled over edge we then cut a tongue that protruded across about 1/3 of the length of vent. The curled edge "clipped" over the slats of the vent and the plastic deflector has enough weight to lay flat. Works like a charm!!!

Answer 8

If you are a beginner or have done some woodworking you will find these plans easy-to-follow as the instructions are very clearly written. The woodworking plans are straightforward so they are not complicated at all. Even if you are a total newcomer to woodworking you will simply be able to master all the techniques that are needed and the woodworking skills very quickly by following the concise and clear instructions.


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Answer 9

I know the perfect solution if you are just starting with woodworking and also if you have already experience with it. I reccomend to give a look to this website ( woodworkingplans.kyma.info ) You can find a lot of woodworking plans and you will be able to manage the projects with a CAD/DWG software. It allows you to modify the projects and to alter the arragements. If you are a beginner this is the easiest way to start, it's the best approach to woodworking; and if you already have experience you will find a lot of ideas and inspirations to improve your abilities with woodwork. I'm sure that you will love it!

Answer 10

You can buy these little plastic pieces that sit right on top of the vent. Check Home Depot or your local hardware store. The one I have has these little magnets on the bottom so it sticks to the vent. All it is, is a curved piece of plastic that diverts the air from going straight up to a 90 angle. It is adjustable to that it fits different size vents.