[16x80]

Cindie


The cold air run that resides next to your furnace was put there to allow for combustion air to burn. New codes make this a mandatory installation. Since houses are be built tighter and tighter to keep out the outside air "IAQ" (indoor air quality) you are required to put in this make up air pipe.

The premise is that if you were not to have one "make up air" or a "sealed combustion system" you could possibly use up the available oxygen in your home causing at the worst death! Keep in mind that fire/flame burns oxygen.

As for the register that was put on the side of your duct work is there for a few reasons...

It allows warm air to be put into the basement to aid in warming the area. (what little you lose is insignificant)
In the summer it allows for dehumidification.
Some times put in to relieve static pressure to allow your furnace to run more efficiently.

Hope this will answer your questions.

16x80