I was visiting a friend who owns a recently built Pulty (sp?) home. I noticed that rooms often had multiple registers, almost always located on the ceiling. She said that the system has at least one return duct in every room instead of the more familiar central return duct. I know nothing about HVAC but I’m curious. Does this make the system more efficient? Cheaper to build? What are the pros and cons of building a system this way?
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It's more efficient, but more expensive to build. The reason you most commonly see a central return register is because it's cheaper that way.
I believe it has to do with efficiency of air circulation, air pressure equalization, and overcoming the impact that shut doors can have on air circulation. (oops, meant to reply to Yersmay, can't change it now)
Edited 6/16/2006 10:15 am ET by alfie
"Does this make the system more efficient?" The ductwork does not affect the system efficiency in the energy sense of the word, but can affect the effectiveness and uniformity of the air distribution. Better air distribution means more consistent comfort and better sytem control throughout the space. A return duct for every "closeable room" not including bathrooms, is a good practice. Many of the inherent problems associated with a single system handling multiple levels or floors in a home, is due to the lack of adequate returns.
"Cheaper to build?" No, running the additional return ducts to most every room in the house costs more that one or two centrally located returns.
"What are the pros and cons of building a system this way?" See above.
Thank you for all your answers. Much appreciated.