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Ceiling (upflow?) VS Floor vents

Posted: Fri Dec 18, 2009 12:45 am
by mmonroe
I've been looking to purchase a used doublewide for the last year or so....I've found several different manufacturers and floor plans that I like...One question I have for those who have owned, currently own, or work in the industry is the difference, if any, between the two different types of air setups...

I prefer homes with the air vents in the ceiling mainly because I don't want to worry about them being in the way of furniture, rugs, etc. and I don't want to deal with stuff falling down in them or the covers coming up...

However, I've been told, by more than one salesperson, that floor vents are better because it's easier to cool (vents are under the house where it's cool, instead underneath hot roof) and is much more cost efficient energy wise...

Does it really make that much difference and what would you recommend? If two houses were identical other than where the air vents were located, which would you buy? Are there any other pros and cons of either one that I should know or anything else that I should consider?

Thanks in advance....

Re: Ceiling (upflow?) VS Floor vents

Posted: Fri Dec 18, 2009 8:50 am
by David Oxhandler
Overhead ducts are a lot more convenient as they don't collect dust, pennies and whatever else falls onto the floor. Additionally it is easier to vacuum and eventually replace carpet as you don't have to work around the floor registers.

The only advantage to floor registers is for HEATING efficiency. Hot air rises and cold air drops. So if you live in a climate that requires a considerable amount of heating you will save on heating by having the heat come out of the floor and rise naturally to fill all the space in the room.

If your in a part of the country where cooling is a greater expense than heating you will save by having overhead registers, so the cool air drops to fill the room. Whoever is telling you that overhead ducts are more efficient for cooling is working hard for a sales commission

Re: Ceiling (upflow?) VS Floor vents

Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2009 12:21 pm
by Celtlund
We live in Louisiana and have the vents in the ceiling. As David says, it is better to have ceiling vents in this climate. BUT another big thing you should do is to make sure you have dual pane vinyl windows and 2X6 exterior walls with an upgraded insulation package. Our house is about 2,200 sq. ft., in the summer we keep out thermostat about 75 or 76 degrees, and our highest electric bill was around $160.00.

Re: Ceiling (upflow?) VS Floor vents

Posted: Mon Dec 28, 2009 6:07 pm
by mmonroe
If you liked the floor plan and size of a house would floor vents be enough to make you keep looking? So far that's kind of what I've been doing..Almost not even considering a house once I find out it has floor vents..I'm only considering repo's so the other considerations (such as upgrades) don't really apply....

How much difference does it really make in terms of energy costs? BTW, the house would be located in southeast texas...Very hot and humid most of the time..

Re: Ceiling (upflow?) VS Floor vents

Posted: Mon Dec 28, 2009 8:06 pm
by David Oxhandler
There a lot of variables that go into energy efficacy and savings. If you are looking at pre-owned homes, your range of options becomes limited. It usually pays to find the best possible combination of price and features. You need to find the home that best fits most of your needs.

The high end, highest priced homes, have had ceiling vents standard. in the southern states. for the longest time. If your shopping for the best purchase price, you will probably need to sacrifice some features that you may want. The more you can spend the more high end features you are likely to find in your home.

An added insulation package and/or storm windows are something you can look for. Or you can add a new insulated roof over, once the home is in place. I guess it comes down to would you like to pay now or later... You have to look at your budget and make those decisions.

Check your local classified web sites and newspapers every day, even if your not ready to buy today. With so much online today it is really easy (and free) to become educated about your local market for manufactured homes.

Now is an excellent time to be a buyer in the pre-owned home market. If you have cash or pre-arranged financing the current market is a dream come true. Look at our homes for sale listings section
You can also find the largest collection of foreclosed mobile homes on line at MobileHomesExpress.com.

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Re: Ceiling (upflow?) VS Floor vents

Posted: Sat Jul 01, 2017 5:08 pm
by Tamerasue
Having lived in Texas in 2 homes with floor vents, i would say ceiling is the way to go. We have had critters come up through the floor vents. We had cats come up in one house. Critters causing holes in the venting def causes issues with keeping house cool. We are currently looking to buy and I will never have floor vents ever again