This project explains how to install an HVAC air vent for improved heating and cooling using the Speedi-Boot™ air vent. Speedi-Boot is easy and fast to install and solves many vent installation challenges.
Speedi-Boot™ Vent Boot and Speedi-Grille™ Air Duct Installation Materials
Materials
The materials needed for this project are:
- 4″ x 8″ Speedi-Boot vent boot, model SBH-484SB
- 4″ x 8″ Speedi-Grille ceiling/wall register, model SG-48 CW2
Note: A standard 4″ x 8″ air register also fits the Speedi-Boot vent boot. - 4″ diameter x 25 feet of insulated flexible duct
- 4″ diameter starting collar
- 36″ nylon zip tie
- Aluminum foil tape for HVAC applications
- 8″ x 4″ ceiling/wall register
Tools
You’ll need the following tools:
- Square
- Hammer
- Finishing nail
- Safe-release tape painter’s tape
- Jab saw for cutting drywall
- Utility Knife
- 1/4″ hex socket driver
- Tape Measure
- Pencil
Room Air Vent Installation Tools
I also needed plastic trash bag for catching drywall dust.
Speedi-Boot™ Air Vent Features
Speedi-Boot is a patented air vent that is available in 120 different sizes and boot styles that really simplifies air vent installation. I wish I’d known about this product when I installed the air vent in my daughter’s bedroom because it would’ve saved me the time and effort of building a 2×4 frame to mount a raw boot and several extra trips to the attic.
Compare the two Speedi-Boots in this photo to the raw vent boot on the right.
Speedi-Boot™ Compared to a Raw Vent Boot
Well, there’s really no comparison. Here’s a closer look at a 90 degree 6″ x 10″ raw boot and Speedi-Boot model SBH-6106NB:
Speedi-Boot Compared to Raw Air Vent Boot
In my view, the primary features of the Speedi-Boot are:
- Easy installation due to the reversible telescoping arms and pre-installed nails.
- Galvanized mud ring and foam rubber gasket for a leak free seal against the ceiling, wall or floor.
- High quality construction, rigid and well made.
- Good price for value.
The 6″x10″x6″ Speedi-Boot costs $14.95 compared to the raw boot price of $6.75 at Home Depot. Remember, the raw boot price doesn’t include the lumber, nails, extra labor and aggravation to build a mounting frame.
Speedi-Boot™ Telescoping Arms
An important feature of Speedi-Boot are the reversible telescoping mounting arms to mount the vent either perpendicular or parallel to the joists, trusses or studs. The telescoping arms slide out for mounting with the provided nails or you can use screws. The default configuration has the set for perpendicular mounting.
Speedi-Boot Telescoping Arms – Perpendicular Mount
The arms have a retention detent to prevent them from falling out. The arms can be removed with a quick tug.
Speedi-Boot Telescoping Arms
Insert the arms in the other direction for parallel mounting to change the vent orientation by 90 degrees.
Speedi-Boot Telescoping Arms – Parallel Mount
What if the arms are too long to fit between your wall studs, floor- or ceiling joists? Simple – the telescoping arms have score pointsto bend and snap off a section to shorten the arm without tools. Just hold the arm in two hands, place a thumb behind the score point, flex back a forth once or twice and the arm snaps cleanly in two.
Break-Away Score Points on Telescoping Arms
This project is continued in Part 2.
Take care,
Bob Jackson
Copyright © 2013 HandymanHowTo.com Reproduction strictly prohibited.
Bob –
I want to thank you for posting this. I have been grappling with getting extra a/c to one room in my house in particular that only has one vent and has pc and other electrical equipment adding to the heat of the room. Even looked at portable A/C units, but this seems to be the answer and one I thought of, but actually seeing it done in a clear, step-by-step and concise manner is exactly what I needed to see.
I am not the most handy guy in the world, but the one thing I’ve learned is that these projects aren’t as daunting when you just roll up your sleeves and do it (with the right guidance). Thanks again!
Also see this related project: How to Install an Air Duct in a Suspended Drywall Ceiling for a similar Speed-Boot installation.
You’re welcome and thanks for writing,
Bob
Thanks for these very detailed instructions. One of our upstairs room is over the garage and was constantly several degrees hotter than the rest of the house. I have now added an extra duct and saved $300 in the process! The speedi-boot was a great time saver but the nails bent easily and I ended up using wood screws instead.