At what height should A/C return duct sources be located in the cabin?

In an air conditioning system, the placement of return ducts plays a crucial role in ensuring optimal airflow and comfort within the cabin. Having the return ducts near the floor is ideal for several reasons.

Cool air tends to settle towards the bottom of a space, while warmer air rises. A return duct positioned low can effectively pull in the cooler air that accumulates at the floor level, ensuring that the air conditioning system has an efficient way to circulate and cool the cabin's interior. This setup can lead to more effective temperature control and enhance the overall efficiency of the air conditioning system, as it allows for better mixing of air and maintains consistent conditions throughout the space.

In contrast, higher placement of return ducts would gather warmer air that may not effectively contribute to cooling the cabin, potentially leading to inefficient system performance. Therefore, locating the return ducts near the floor helps in maintaining a balanced interior environment by facilitating improved airflow and enhancing the system's cooling capabilities.