Return Vent Install

[bud2006]

I am currently choosing a new furnace and a/c for my condo unit. One issue we have had is the blower noise. The closet containing the unit is small, and the vent is right in the living room. The duct is short and there is no additional room to customize it.

One contractor suggested that he would raise the unit up on an insulated box, so the bottom of the unit lined up with the top of the vent. This would have the return air actually go into the bottom of the furnace/blower instead of directly into the side of the unit. This would supposedly cut down on the noise.

Has anyone ever heard of or used this technique? I would like to know if it is common and if it will effect the performance.
Thanks

[comfortdoc]

If it is sized and designed properly this strategy can improve performance. Having the air make a 90 ndeg turn usually lowers the noise level. A variable speed blower with 2 stg equipment will also lower noise since unit will run in low stg most of the time.

[dash]

Go here;

http://www.durodyne.com


look for Quietturn Vanes(in the Glaasline Catalog),have them oder them and install in the 90° turn from the bottom of the furnace ,into the return grille in the wall.You'll be glad you did.