I didn't see this question asked after my search but I have a wall in the kitchen that has nothing against it and we are wanting to add some cabinets but towards the right of this wall, about 5' from it, is a vent in the floor. I was wondering if a lower base cabinet can be sectioned/front-cap removed or if there was a special fitting (such as a 90 vent cover just for the base of cabinets) to allow ventilation from a vent in the floor? We do get vary broad climate changes so I was curious to know if I do add a vent in the bottom base would that possibly warp the cabinet even if I insulate it?
-
What size is the duct? If it isn't too big it can be made into a toe space register in one cabinet. Other details to follow– JackCommented Nov 4, 2014 at 15:41
-
It's a standard vent cover and I did find something like this Plastic 90 deg. deflector but I'm afraid it would warp under the cabinet.– DᴀʀᴛʜVᴀᴅᴇʀCommented Nov 4, 2014 at 15:47
-
You don't use that under a cabinet, bad bad idea. What size is the duct under the register. It lifts out, you will see a metal liner– JackCommented Nov 4, 2014 at 15:49
-
Ya I thought it was going to be a bad idea but when I removed it looked like a round 14" and when I was under there it appeared to be one of the last vents in the house since the unit is on the other end of the house next to the bedrooms.– DᴀʀᴛʜVᴀᴅᴇʀCommented Nov 4, 2014 at 15:54
-
The reason the size is needed, the opening cut into the toespace needs to be the same size, if not larger than the one in the floor. when elbows are added it restricts the flow a little and should be compensated for. If the duct is being made narrow, it also affects the flow and further compensation should be made– JackCommented Nov 4, 2014 at 15:55
|
Show 5 more comments
2 Answers
Yes, it can be done.
Relocating the vent, however, is a better general solution because:
The HVAC system can operate closer to its design. Reduced size registers and additional bends change the back-pressure and can readily throw the system out of balance.
Specialized registers and other parts are not required.
The less common installation is more prone to errors than typical industry practices.
None of which is to say that this is or is not the right solution for any particular installation, but rather than it is really only the preferred solution for a set of edge cases.
You might need to go to a specialized HVAC supplier (maybe grainger) but you need a shallow 90 degree going to rectangle kickout. Basically you want the number of square inches from the incoming vent to equal what you will fan out using the toekick of your cabinets.
Not sure you would find exactly what you are looking for at big box. The worst case scenario is that you buy a shallow 90 and bend duct to meet your needs. I would really look into HVAC suppliers though and paying $30-50 for something custom might be worth it. Think about the work and cost of relocating or doing something else. And also the fact that the vent was probably put in that location for a reason.
