The air intake is an essential part of an HVAC system.
An HVAC wall intake--return air grille--draws air from the house into the intake side of the air-conditioning unit. Inside the intake grille is a filter that removes dust, dander and other allergens before the air travels through the unit and back into the house. Correct installation of the intake is essential to ensure the grille remains firmly attached to the wall and that it does not disrupt the flow of air through the HVAC system. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Measure the height and width of the grille opening. Ensure to hook the tape measure on the outside of one mounting flange and read the tape measure on the outside of the other mounting flange. Using outside dimensions will provide the correct amount of room between the framing and the flanges. Add 3/8 inch to each measurement.
2. Placed two pencil marks to represent the height of the grille on the wall. Place two additional marks on the wall for the grille's height. Ensure the marks line up with the return opening located on the HVAC unit.
3. Align the top of a level with the top pencil mark representing the grille's height. Adjust the level. Drag the pencil along the level's top edge. Draw another level line at the bottom height mark and then a plumb vertical line at each width line. Cut along the lines with a keyhole saw. Remove and dispose of the cut wall material.
4. Place a pencil mark 1 1/2 inch up from the edge of the cut hole on all vertical studs in the opening. Repeat the process with a 1 1/2 mark down from the hole edges on the same studs. Cut along the pencil lines with a handsaw. Cut two pieces of 2-by-4-inch lumber to fit between the full vertical studs running on either side of the hole. Align one piece of lumber with the top edge of the hole. Secure it to the vertical studs with 3-inch wood screws and a drill/driver equipped with a Phillips adapter tip. Align the second piece of lumber with the bottom of the hole.
5. Remove the two Phillips screws from the top of a return air grille by turning them counterclockwise with a Phillips screwdriver. Open the grille. Slide the grille frame into the wall opening. Support the hinged section with one hand to avoid damage.
6. Run one 3/16-inch mounting screw through each hole drilled through the interior mounting flange--located perpendicular to the trim flange resting against the wall. Close the grille. Tighten the screws to hold the door in place.
Tags: vertical studs, edge hole, grille height, HVAC system, intake essential
