How to Cut Into Air Ducts to Heat a Basement

Placing vents in the heating ducts that run through your basement is a simple way to add warmth to a space that gets cold during frigid winter months. If the basement is properly insulated, heating that space may also keep the rooms above it warm. Choose vents that allow you to conveniently adjust the airflow into the basement, so that large amounts of heat aren't wasted on areas that are not used much.

Vent
Marker
Electric drill
1/2-inch auger bit
Safety glasses
Tinsnips
Self-tapping screws
Screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Determine where you'll attach the new vents on the ductwork. Identify points along the ductwork that are free of obstructions, such as ceiling joists, plumbing, or other wiring.
- 2
  Place a vent's bottom — the end that will fit into the ductwork — against the ductwork at one your selected installation points. Center it on the ductwork and trace along its bottom edge with a felt-tip marker. Pull the vent away and check to ensure that the traced lines are visible and complete.
- 3
  Place a 1/2-inch auger bit in a drill motor and secure it. Put on safety goggles to prevent eye injuries.
- 4
  Place the auger bit tip inside the outline and drill a 1/2-inch hole through the ductwork.
- 5
  Open a pair of tinsnips and insert one blade into the 1/2-inch hole. Cut along the traced line to create an opening for the vent.
- 6
  Insert the bottom of the vent into the opening. Ensure the lip of the vent is flush against the ductwork. Secure the vent to the ductwork using self-tapping metal screws and a screwdriver.
- 7
  Follow the same procedure for the installation of additional vents along the ductwork.

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