Hi,

My central AC unit is on the 3rd floor and we get no relief on the first
floor. The only intake is in the ceiling of the second floor and the
HVAC specialist tells me that that's the problem. His proposed solution
is a second AC system for the first floor.

I'm thinking: why not take one of the outlet ducts and convert them to
an intake? Crazy enough to work?

Thanks,

Sam

On Jul 10, 7:24*pm, Sam Takoy wrote:
Hi,

My central AC unit is on the 3rd floor and we get no relief on the first
floor. The only intake is in the ceiling of the second floor and the
HVAC specialist tells me that that's the problem. His proposed solution
is a second AC system for the first floor.

I'm thinking: why not take one of the outlet ducts and convert them to
an intake? Crazy enough to work?

Thanks,

Sam

Far too little info to even guess. It depends on the layout of the
house,
the location and number of all the returns and outlets, if the
existing
system is of sufficient capacity for the house, etc. If the existing
system is large enough and it's possible to add significant return
to the first floor, that will help. If the system is undersize or
marginal, then a seperate system for the first floor sounds
logical.

I can tell you that turning one outlet duct into a return is unlikely
to make a material difference. You have no returns on the
first floor. Just taking one outlet and making it into a return is
not going to have enough duct capacity to do much. And you
will obviously loose that outlet, which isn't what you want to do
either.

On Jul 10, 7:24*pm, Sam Takoy wrote:
Hi,

My central AC unit is on the 3rd floor and we get no relief on the first
floor. The only intake is in the ceiling of the second floor and the
HVAC specialist tells me that that's the problem. His proposed solution
is a second AC system for the first floor.

I'm thinking: why not take one of the outlet ducts and convert them to
an intake? Crazy enough to work?

Thanks,

Sam

Without knowing more it's difficult to provide advice for this one.
Where are you located? Is this an older house or a new house? Does
the system provide heat as well as cool? Was the system originally
sized to service the whole house? Did it ever cool the bottom floor?
Does it have zone controls or is it just one thermostat?

Generally if the house has a fairly open floor plan having one return
on the 2nd floor is not automatically a bad thing. There should be
dampers on the unit that would allow you to cut back the air going to
the upper floors forcing more air to the bottom. If the system
provides heat and cooling you will need to adjust the dampers at the
beginning of each summer and winter.

The duct might not go to any where useful. How about rig a
"fan on" switch for your existing furnace, to better
circulate the air?

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"Sam Takoy" wrote in message
...
Hi,

My central AC unit is on the 3rd floor and we get no relief
on the first
floor. The only intake is in the ceiling of the second floor
and the
HVAC specialist tells me that that's the problem. His
proposed solution
is a second AC system for the first floor.

I'm thinking: why not take one of the outlet ducts and
convert them to
an intake? Crazy enough to work?

Thanks,

Sam

On Sun, 10 Jul 2011 19:24:31 -0400, Sam Takoy wrote:

Hi,

My central AC unit is on the 3rd floor and we get no relief on the first
floor. The only intake is in the ceiling of the second floor and the
HVAC specialist tells me that that's the problem. His proposed solution
is a second AC system for the first floor.

I'm thinking: why not take one of the outlet ducts and convert them to
an intake? Crazy enough to work?


That would only allow enough air flow in as this small duct would allow,
assuming you could find this duct and reroute it properly. The inlet needs
to be larger than the outputs. Three floors is a lot to cover with one AC
unit and one return air. It doesn't sound like it was installed correctly.
All 3 floors need return air and an oversized inlet and fan to cover that
area.

Thanks,

Sam

"Sam Takoy" wrote in message
...
Hi,

My central AC unit is on the 3rd floor and we get no relief on the
first floor. The only intake is in the ceiling of the second floor
and the HVAC specialist tells me that that's the problem. His
proposed solution is a second AC system for the first floor.

I'm thinking: why not take one of the outlet ducts and convert them
to an intake? Crazy enough to work?


The HVAC guys as a rule will suggest the *most* expensive solution.

If you can always get the 2nd floor colder than it needs to be no
matter what the outside temperature, then all you need to do is
circulate some of that cool air downstairs and less upstairs.

So return duct downstairs or adjust vents so more air goes downstairs.
Or add a separate fan and duct to move air downstairs. Whatever.

Also if you have single pane windows or poor insulation, replacing the
downstairs windows with new energy star windows and/or insulation in
walls would do the trick. Then less cooling needed! Or plant trees to
shade the house.

In article ,
"Bill" wrote:

"Sam Takoy" wrote in message
...
Hi,

My central AC unit is on the 3rd floor and we get no relief on the
first floor. The only intake is in the ceiling of the second floor
and the HVAC specialist tells me that that's the problem. His
proposed solution is a second AC system for the first floor.

I'm thinking: why not take one of the outlet ducts and convert them
to an intake? Crazy enough to work?


The HVAC guys as a rule will suggest the *most* expensive solution.

If you can always get the 2nd floor colder than it needs to be no
matter what the outside temperature, then all you need to do is
circulate some of that cool air downstairs and less upstairs.


I had a similar problem with the downstairs being too cold if I made
the upstairs cool enough. I have found if I leave the fan on at all
times, that tends to even things out.

--
People thought cybersex was a safe alternative,
until patients started presenting with sexually
acquired carpal tunnel syndrome.-Howard Berkowitz

On Jul 10, 6:24*pm, Sam Takoy wrote:
Hi,

My central AC unit is on the 3rd floor and we get no relief on the first
floor. The only intake is in the ceiling of the second floor and the
HVAC specialist tells me that that's the problem. His proposed solution
is a second AC system for the first floor.

I'm thinking: why not take one of the outlet ducts and convert them to
an intake? Crazy enough to work?

Thanks,

Sam

Is the third fllor an attic unit or usable living space? Where are
the present outlets and returns? If it is working well, the cold air
from the second floor should settle down to the first floor. Is this
a new problem or has it always been this way??? Too many questions,
too little information provided.