Gents,
I’ve got a design dilemma or should I say an opportunity.
I am putting in a pull down screen for a home theater. I have the screen mounted against the upper corner of the room. There is a HVAC duct that is very close to the front of the screen. I would like to box the screen in a soffit and finish with crown.
I can move the vent forward about 2″ until it would hit the floor joist above. Which will clear the screen but not the crown. The vent grill is about 8″ x 16″ or so.
So here’s my question. Can I squeeze the vent size to 4″ x 32″? (Yes, I know there isn’t a grill that size.) Or another words. What am I potentially doing to my HVAC system if I spilt the output into two smaller vents?
I am open to comments, suggestions and concerns. Thanks in advance for any advice.
Replies
You can get a grill fabricated for whatever size you desire in a variety of styles. One fabricator we use is Archtectural Grille and Register located in Brooklyn, NY. I am sure you have fabricators in So Cal.
Just for an idea of what you're looking for:
http://www.archgrille.com/frames.html
You will need to redesign/ reduct the existing ductwork but it is do-able. Since you will be ripping out the drywall and some of the duck you can consider having to vents spread apart or one long vent centered.
Either way you choose, it's not just an issue of slapping on a different grille.
F
First, if you can make the connection, the answer to the first questions is yes, and, BTW, you can get grilles in any size you want, and even sizes are pretty common. I have a 4x48 bar grille on my desk, that was returned by a customer. You may not be able to pick up a 4x32 at the local hadware store, but you can get them. As I first mentioned, the connection of the grille to the duct will be the most difficlut part of this. 16x8 is a very common size for residential ducts and components, 4x32 is not. So once you get the special ordered 4x32" supply grille, how to make air come out it?
Splitting a single supply (I'm assuming that your talking about a supply grille, ie one that air comes out of to heat and/or cool the space) into 2 or more smaller ones may or may not be detrimental to the comfort in the space. Chances are very unlikely that you can do much harm if you keep the same free area. (2) 16x4 = (1) 16x8, for all practical purposes.
Something else to consider, you said "There is a HVAC duct that is very close to the front of the screen" and then you talked about a supply register/grille that needed to be reconfigured. IF the supply is within a foot or two of the screen (both in the ceiling), the screen will probably shimmer or waver when air is coming through the grille, unless it is deflected away from the screen.
Thanks for the information. I'm trying to be as little invasive as possible but if I have to tear out a large section of drywall, that's what I'll do.
I figured that as long as I kept the same area as the original I wouldn't run into a problem. But it never hurts to ask the experts.
Currently I have been using the screen and the case deflects the air so I don't get any ripple in the screen. I've been concerned about that but it doesn't seem to be a problem. I will keep it in mind as I develop the design.
Here are a picture of the situation and a picture of what it looks like when I'm watching a movie.
Enjoy! Thanks again.Hi, I'm Len and I'm a Toolaholic...
Looks great! Hey, if you have trouble finding what you need let me know. I can point you to a location near you and give you some pricing and part numbers, if necessary.
Thanks.
I'll keep you in mind. I may get to some it this weekend. That's if my honey doesn't have too many honey do.
Actually the longer I don't do this. The faster it moves up on her list. So I really am doing what I want but she thinks she told me to. Clever, eh? LOL.Hi, I'm Len and I'm a Toolaholic...
Trekkie?
Build a bulkhead and add vents to the front. Or continue the bulkhead around the room and add some lighting. Hide the vents, some indirect lighting and or add potlights on dimmers to the perimeter. Get some leather sofas, paint the walls darker. You're going to need a larger bowl for popcorn, and a bar fridge if you're planning to invite us over.
Would you prefer a photo of "Steel Magnolias"? LOL.
I've been thinking about the a bulkhead around the room but it is a type of great room. The kitchen and breakfast area are in the same room on the opposite side. It would solve the problem of routing wires for the new rear speakers.
Got the leather sofas and a big ottoman, the paint is sitting the garage, popcorn bowl is huge and the bar fridge is stocked full of wine.
The ladies have already decided we are watching "Ray" this weekend.
Have a great weekend.
Hi, I'm Len and I'm a Toolaholic...
Hey Len.....looks like you`re getting some good advice thus far.
You might want to try posting this question down in the heating and air folder as well.
Best of luck.
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Instead of noodling too much with the duct, you could always header off the joist to make room for the existing duct size. The practicality of doing so depends on the direction of the joists so having more info if you want to investigate this approach would be helpful.