This project explains how to add a room air duct using the Speedi-Boot system for improved heating and cooling. Speedi-Boot is easy and fast to install and solves many air vent installation challenges.
Air Duct Installation 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
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.
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:
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.
The arms have a retention detent to prevent them from falling out. The arms can be removed with a quick tug.
Insert the arms in the other direction for parallel mounting to change the vent orientation by 90 degrees.
What if the arms are too long to fit between your wall studs, floor- or ceiling joists? Simple – the telescoping arms have score points to 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.
This project is continued in How to Add a Room Air Duct with Speedi-Boot – Part 2.
Take care,
Bob Jackson
