Please help me with the name of this furnace part?

Question

There is a box under the furnace that is essentially a box with an opening for a pipe. We want to replace it, but don't know what it is called, and, therefore, don't know exactly what to purchase.

Thank you for your help! :)

Answer 1

Perhaps you can take with you as a sample.

Answer 2

Based on your description and the anatomy of my own furnace, I think you have described a plenum, as noted in the above answers.

Depending on which direction the air flows (into this box from your house, or heated and out to your vents), it would be either a supply or return plenum.  It is essentially a big metal box that acts as a central area for multiple ducts to connect to.

Also, I'm not an expert on this, but I think the coil is part of your cooling system.  My furnace also had a rusty bottom box a few years ago, and the culprit was a cracked coil case that was leaking water.  That and old age.

The good news is that if you just need a new plenum, then it is just a big hollow box with no moving parts.  The bad news is that they are usually a custom size and need to be fabricated out out of sheet metal.

Most importantly, you will need to identify the source of the water and make sure it can’t get to your shiny new plenum again.

I am sorry for your HVAC problems.

Answer 3

A better descrption would be of help.

Type of furnace? upflow or counterflow?

What type of pipe, gas pipe or galvanized air-flow pipe, and what is the furnace doing, or not doing to make you want to change  it?  And also, just what is it connected to?

An e-mail to me might help with  the information.

  We have been in the heating and A/C business for many years and  I'm still a little confused with your description.

  If this furnace is blowing the air down, under the house, then it would be a "counterflow" unit, and the part in question just might be the "plenum".

  If so, there is no standard part that can just be had in any store, but rather measured and made to order, unless this furnace was a pre-made package unit.

  Is this "box"  as you call it made of galvanized sheet metal, or other material and painted  with a/c coils inside?

Answer 4

hmmmm... sounds like it could be the bonnet if you have a horizontal systm!!! if its part of your exhaust assy... you may wanna think about replacing the whole thing!!! it just may be more cost effective in the long run! good luck

Answer 5

sounds like you might have an air handler. if so, that would be your return air box.

edit:  ding ding ding,  i think i got it right. ill take potent potables for 400 alex  ;))

Answer 6

its the air duct distribution box. Exact name I don't know but that will be enough to get a new one

Don't forget to measure it they will need that info as well

It can also be made by a sheet metal shop

Answer 7

Return air plenum?