[koates]

I have a hallway that connects two bedrooms and a bath. The hall is 3’ X 10’ and the entrance to the hallway from the living area is about 2’ from one end. As you enter the hall, the thermostat is on the opposite wall and the cold air return (only one in the house) is in the ceiling slightly to the right (at the end of the hallway next to the door of one of the bedrooms). The heater is in the attic over the bedroom at the other end of the hall. I have natural gas heat.

My questions: Can I install a door to the hallway? I was concerned that it would block air flow or give the thermostat incorrect house temperature readings. If a door is possible, what type could be used? Solid, louvered, half louvered/half solid? Would just an open transom work?

Any guidance would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[labman]

I guess the most exacting answer to this would be to find the free area of the cold air vent, and then install a door with a louver with as great or greater free area. ''Free area'' is the equivalent to one large hole, not the sum of a bunch of little ones. If it is not stamped on the vent, it could be tough to find. Simply matching the total area might be a good enough approximation. A full louvered door likely would have more than enough air flow and maintain the current flow pattern. I would be afraid a transom opening or even upper half only louvers might direct the air flow above the thermostat and not signal it to shut off soon enough.