How to Add a Forced Air Heating Outlet in a Basement

Many homes come with limited or no heat vents in the basement. If a few do exist, their main goal is to keep the basement from getting extremely chilly, and not meant to warm the area to a comfortable temperature. If you find yourself spending more and more time in the basement, add a forced air heating outlet to help warm the space. These can quickly be cut into existing duct work and they contain a damper, which allows you to regulate how much air exits the outlet.

Tape measure
Register
Marker
1/2-inch drill bit
Drill
Snips
Level
7/64-inch drill bit
Screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the neck of the register you wish to cut into the existing duct. The neck is the portion that contains the damper and fits into the duct.
- 2
  Add 1/4 inch to the dimensions of the register neck and transfer the measurements to your duct at the desired location of the outlet with a marker.
- 3
  Drill out each corner of the marked out rectangular shape with a 1/2-inch drill bit.
- 4
  Place the jaws of your snips into one of the holes and cut along the line to the next hole. Continue cutting along the line and remove the rectangular piece of sheet metal once complete.
- 5
  Fit the register into the opening. Level it and mark out the screw holes. Remove the register and set aside.
- 6
  Drill out each screw hole with a 7/64-inch drill bit. Position the register back into the opening and align the screw holes.
- 7
  Fasten the register to the duct with the provided screws. Adjust the damper as necessary to let more or less air into the space.

Creosote Leaking Around Pipes Where They Connect Together

Energy Saving Insulation for a Fireplace Chimney

Heating & Cooling Repair