36FL question

[marandjwr]

I am wondering what is the purpose of the "vent" under the pantry into the furnace/water heater/rats nest of water lines area. Is it for supplying the furnace with air? Is it to supply that space with heat from the coach? I'm wondering this because when running any of the overhead fans or range exhaust fan, cold air from that compartment is drawn into the kitchen across the floor freezing my feet when cooking. If it is not for the furnace and if I heat the compartment by other means, can I close that "vent" off because we are loosing valuable heat here in PA.

[atom ant]

It is a return air for the furnace. It would probably cut down on the furnace efficiency if you blocked it off.

[Oriana]

That vent and the one below the sink in the bathroom are the cold air returns. As Brad mentioned, best not to block them

[Adamsvr]

I specically asked the Crossroads Service Center about whether we could block those return air vents... their reply was yes! The pan is leaky enough to supply suuficient air flow for the furnace and keep the tanks and lines warm.

[atom ant]

Ah cool.

I lost a spice out of the spice rack in our island. I pulled some drawer glides and got in there behind the dish drawer and there is a CAVERNOUS opening to the basement, and I'm sure some nutmeg is rolling around down there and it will hit my head someday when I pull down the belly pan.

Not saying that makes a good return air path, but would have to agree the area down there is full of leakage.

[marandjwr]

Oriana, the vent under the bathroom sink in our FL, 2012, is not a cold air return but a heat duct.

[Oriana]

I'll have to check it out. Only time we have used the furnace was during the PDI as we tend to avoid areas that are rather chilly and don't recall any heat coming from that one.

[johnboytoo]

hmmm,
our 38gk has a round heat vent on the floor behind the 'potty',

and thought the grating under the sink was just a return too since we have the split bath and the door is typically closed...

[marandjwr]

the duct under the vanity is the only duct in the FL bathroom and it blows rather than sucks air which becomes warm when the furnace comes on

[Oregonbound]

Originally Posted by marandjwr

the duct under the vanity is the only duct in the FL bathroom and it blows rather than sucks air which becomes warm when the furnace comes on

I can confirm that as well. It doesn't blow much warm air but definitely is a heat duct rather than a cold air return.

Did you end up blocking the cold air return under the pantry? Did that help with the cold feet?

[marandjwr]

I have not... yet We are scheduled for inspection at Service Center on January 6th so I will get a definitive answer then...

[Oriana]

Definitely will check our 36FL next time we fire up the furnace.

[marandjwr]

I did finally block off the "vent" under the pantry of our 36FL... checked with Randy and Gary when we were at the Service Center and they both said A-OK to do so. I used 5/8 finished plywood a tad shorter and a smidgen less tall, put a screw in the center to act as a handle, used Gorilla Glue to secure the sides. when all was dry, I caulked all around with gutter and flashing caulk, duct tape in a tube So much warmer!!!