I'm starting a project to finish my basement and my cold air return
runs across my floor joists from one end of the house to the other -
front to back. It passes in front of three basement windows and dips
under the basement stair landing on the way. My question - one I'm too
intimidated to post on that nasty HVAC site - is whether or not it is
feasible to just put my cold air return in the basement near the
furnace in order to eliminate all the ductwork. I normally wouldn't
consider this, but since I am finishing the basement and will keep it
the same temp as the rest of the house, I thought it might even help
circulate the air throughout the house. In addition, I am installing
radiant heat flooring in my kitchen, which is where the cold air return
is now. Right now, I have about 40 feet of duct work for one return in
my kitchen. Thanks for your help.