The remaining 2 tons of capacity is at least 1 5x oversized for the actual 1 load.
How to install return air duct in attic.
How to install a return air duct.
As difficult to achieve as getting hvac companies to actually train their workers how to install ducts.
Locate where you want your return air ducts.
Next areas to address are oversized supply box pentrations supply boxes that lift off the attic floor when supply grill is installed and return air leakage.
If the air duct isn t long enough it is possible to add extra length.
Put the crimped end in first then put the other end of the duct in.
Attach a second air duct to the first by peeling back the insulation and tucking it into the first section approximately 6 10 and seal with duct tape.
That s right your heating and air system is nothing more than a big circulation unit.
The takeoff rotates to make it easier to fit the duct into place.
Install the damper into the duct by drilling a hole into the side of the duct and then screw the damper into place.
Run the new flexible air duct under the house from the floor return to the underside of the air handler and attach to the metal vent box or plenum image 1.
Work from the farthest hole back and install return air panning back.
Cut a hole low in the drywall where you want to put your return air grille.
Remove existing ductwork where needed.
You ll need to find a corner such as in a closet to build a duct chase to get ducts from basement to attic.
Size the hole.
A return duct is the part of the system that carries the air back to the furnace or air handler where it will then be circulated back out through the supply vents.
As long as there s an unobstructed path e g no door that can be closed the upstairs doesn t need a dedicated return.
If testing of ducts returns was code this would be a step in the right direction.
Go into the basement and locate the holes.
In more cases than not a 3 ton ac with the ducts in the attic has a ton or so of load that s just from the location of the ducts in the attic and the associated duct gains leakage etc.