That beam is a ceiling joist. It supports the floor above it.
Hard to tell from the picture, but if the joist is supported by the wall on the left of the picture, you could cut it off there and also cut it off on the right side, leaving about two inches left showing through the vent opening.
Once that is done, you should install a new piece the same dimension as what you cut (looks like a 2x6) at a 90 degree angle to the joist, so that it attaches to the joists on either side, and to the joist you cut.
It will be tight to swing a hammer in there, so if you know somebody who's stupid enough to lend you a loaded nail gun, it will be much easier to do.
Oh, by the way, the correct tool for cutting that joist would be a Sawzall.
The Sawzall, however, is a dangerous power tool in the hands of a novice, so I don't recommend using one without first obtaining the proper training from the Power Tool Safety Foundation.
In the meantime, you could begin with a butter knife.
Oh, by the way, the correct tool for cutting that joist would be a Sawzall.
The Sawzall, however, is a dangerous power tool in the hands of a novice, so I don't recommend using one without first obtaining the proper training from the Power Tool Safety Foundation.
In the meantime, you could begin with a butter knife.
i also agree that the whole thing looks sketchy. i don't think sawing off your joist is going to give you that much greater airflow. also, is that an inlet or an outlet?
RACER X said:
how about drilling some "big" holes thru the joist to "even" out the airflow or at least get some suction thru the other side. ala swiss cheese style.
yeah, new house, look at the filter only 1/2 of it is dirty, therefore the A/C unit is working 2x as hard to get the same amount of air. instead of a 20x30 filter it;s theoretically a 10x30.
ok, i see what your thinking, i was told on another M/C board by a custom home builder to drill only near the center of th joist. the upper and lower parts are weight bearing areas whereas the center has the least amount of weight.
RACER X said:
ok, i see what your thinking, i was told on another M/C board by a custom home builder to drill only near the center of th joist. the upper and lower parts are weight bearing areas whereas the center has the least amount of weight.
askmrjesus said:
Oh, by the way, the correct tool for cutting that joist would be a Sawzall.
The Sawzall, however, is a dangerous power tool in the hands of a novice, so I don't recommend using one without first obtaining the proper training from the Power Tool Safety Foundation.
In the meantime, you could begin with a butter knife.
That's an HVAC guy who doesn't know his job. He should have put in two intake ducts....one on each side of the support beam if he couldn't find a better place to install the A/C return, and I'm not anything close to an HVAC expert.
As dirty as your filters look, I'd consider having someone who cleans and sterilizes HVAC systems take a look. I'd not expect a problem in a new house, but if that was an existing home, God knows whats in the ductwork.
A proper cleaning can cost $$$, but afterwards, if you use allergen-level filtration on the return, you shouldn't need to repeat it for several years, and it makes a difference if you suffer from allergies.
First of all, That filter doesnt look dirty at all. Dont waste your money on cleaning ducts that dont need it...
Now, Having a filter grill is very common and usually makes it easier for the home owner to replace the filter without going into the furnace.
What should have been done with that is the beam running through the filter needs to be cut and the filter grill framed out. This way air flow isnt hurt and structural integrity is maintianed.
First of all, That filter doesnt look dirty at all. Dont waste your money on cleaning ducts that dont need it...
Now, Having a filter grill is very common and usually makes it easier for the home owner to replace the filter without going into the furnace.
What should have been done with that is the beam running through the filter needs to be cut and the filter grill framed out. This way air flow isnt hurt and structural integrity is maintianed.
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