Ceiling supply diffuser / register trends for fancy homes?

[ScorpionLeather]

What ideas are you seeing out there for upscale homes for the ceiling diffusers?

In our home we were struggling with the decision from an aesthetic view, but I think we're going to go with the Hart & Cooley commercial 20 series round diffuser for all the rooms that need it.

We have round 3 cone diffusers in the other rooms from the 1960s and it seems like a timeless design.

My least favorite are the standard rectangular blade supply registers because they just look cheap. Not as good for air flow either.

I flipped through a home interiors magazine of trillion dollar mansions and I noticed several with super long skinny registers nestled somewhat close to the wall, I guess to create a "curtain" of air, but they probably did this for the architectural look.

[REP]

I am not a big fan of ceiling registers because of several reasons the last one being I think they look terrible.
I know that in some few cases its the only answer but I caution that the ductwork has to be right on,very little room for error.Too small and you can knock off peoples wigs,too large and you don't get the heat especially ,to the floor.
I knew a contractor that specializes in very old and elaberate homes,he makes his own registers out of wood etc,but he is an artist.

[Elimin8r]

Try: http://www.steelcrestonline.com/
or http://www.decorgrates.com/index.html

[Shophound]

I flipped through a home interiors magazine of trillion dollar mansions and I noticed several with super long skinny registers nestled somewhat close to the wall, I guess to create a "curtain" of air, but they probably did this for the architectural look.

Those are called slot diffusers. Typically they are used where higher rates of heat loss or heat gain are expected, such as along a curtain wall of glass. They can be used for other than that reason, such as in spaces with tall ceilings. They need to be designed and installed correctly to work. I've seen some real botched ones in my time.

[ScorpionLeather]

Thanks for the suggestions. I've been scouring the web for photos of different ceiling diffusers and I can't find more than a couple photos. I guess no one takes pictures of ceiling diffusers that are actually installed.

I think the Hart & Cooley 20-series Round Diffuser would be nice, but I have never seen an interior photo of what this actually looks look (to see how far it sticks out..).

[ScorpionLeather]

I found some interesting "architectural" ceiling diffusers. Any thoughts on these as far as the airflow? Or is round 3 cone still superior?

http://www.troxtechnik.com/en/products/air_diffusers/swirl_diffusers/index.html

http://titus-energysolutions.com/green/ecat/model.aspx?prodid=454&catid=186

http://www.krueger-hvac.com/ecatalog/model.aspx?refid=1215

http://ias-hvac.com/CAD-06/ceiling_diffusers/twr.pdf

http://www.metalaire.com/documents/Info/SWD/OD-7_Info.pdf

http://www.price-hvac.com/Catalog/Section_C/Round_Ceiling_Diffusers/RPD_Round_Plaque.aspx

http://www.titus-hvac.com/ecatalog/getfile2.aspx?fileid=6197

http://www.titus-hvac.com/ecatalog/getfile2.aspx?fileid=5485

[jpb2]

Round would be fine for cooling but does a poor job on heating.

[ScorpionLeather]

Round would be fine for cooling but does a poor job on heating.

In Southern CA we have mild winters but really hot summers, so around here we like to poke holes in the ceilings to favor the cooling side. Now, I am just not sure what's the best thing aesthetically. For example suppose we were to sell the house later, would buyers "hate" a certain kind of ceiling diffuser/grill and move on just because of that.

[Gib's Son]

Paying close attention to diffusser/ grille selection and performance are paramount in providing a comfortable space. If your not familiar with all the variables you can end up with problems.

For a better explanation of air movement check this thread. http://hvac-talk.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=825182

As shophound said, linear slots look nice but they need to be designed and installed correctly. In colder climates we have actually used linear slots with a motorzied blade to direct air to the window in the winter, and to interior space in the summer. Worked slick. Personally I would not use Hart & Cooley, I would stick with Titus or Krugar.

[ScorpionLeather]

Paying close attention to diffusser/ grille selection and performance are paramount in providing a comfortable space. If your not familiar with all the variables you can end up with problems.

Good point. That's why we're currently favoring the round diffuser. As long as the laws of physics don't change, this style of diffuser will always be around because of the excellent air flow characteristics.. so people will always be used to the way they look..

[Gib's Son]

Keep in mind that there are two types of rounds...one allows you to adjust for a vertical throw. Need to look at ceiling heights and air flow. There are some square ceiling diffusers that look really nice and provide a vortex spin on the air forcing the air downwards. Works really well and has solved some problems with VRV systems to get the heating air down to the occupants. Seems like it's only affective with ceiling heights up to 12 feet or so though.

[ACFIXR]

I flipped through a home interiors magazine of trillion dollar mansions and I noticed several with super long skinny registers nestled somewhat close to the wall, I guess to create a "curtain" of air, but they probably did this for the architectural look.

Yes they are for looks..............

http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb359/Chuck_Phelan/HVAC/slot1.jpg

http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb359/Chuck_Phelan/HVAC/slots3.jpg

But they are fun to install :grin2:

http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb359/Chuck_Phelan/HVAC/eight_Foot_slot.jpg