Ideally, we would put them in the floor since heat rises, but due to the structural issues of the floor, this is somewhat difficult because of various beams we would have to cut through (it's possible, but difficult). So, the other choice is to run the ducting up to the attic in one location, and then distribute it through the ceiling (some rooms have lofted ceilings up to 11 feet tall).

The upstairs will be very well insulated since it’s new (insulated walls, ceilings, and double-pane windows). Anyone have experience with ceiling vents in their home in this type of climate (it doesn't get super cold, maybe down to mid-40's at night a few nights a year)?

Does it make a big difference to have ceiling vents in terms of temperature, noise, or feeling the blowing air? Because if it does, we might push harder to have floor vents.

Also, can we get away with just one return vent in the hallway (it's 900 sq feet upstairs)?

Thanks.

mike

Is this okay? ANything special I should insist for ?
I am putting the Trane XV95 furnace.

I do find that the ceiling vents are a little noisier but as far as comfort, I don't really see an issue. It is not like there is significant temperature stratification from floor to ceiling. The heat rising is balanced by the fact that the floor is over conditioned space (and is thus warmer).

I have to think in NoCA with new construction and Title 24 insulation that the need to heat is so miniscule. If you have some sun. I mean we don't heat here when the low is 50 on new construction with some good sun.

We have ceiling fans throughout the house. During the heating season, we keep them on low blowing up. This keeps the air mixed nicely. We don't have any stratification issues at all.