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I removed a non-load bearing wall. To be clear, and in case anyone is wondering, the main beam is the purple line. The end of the Z-shaped dividing wall is not under it, and the other wall is not load bearing. This remodel has been done in several houses in the area.
The HVAC unit is upstairs. I was surprised to see the 1st floor return was simply a passage between the studs and up the wall. I was expecting a metal duct all the way up to the ceiling.
The 1st floor return register cover is large compared to the metal duct coming out of the ceiling. EDIT: The question is, do I (can I) just cut the duct flush to the ceiling and put a register of the same size over it? Or must I enlarge the opening the ceiling and put a large register cover in the ceiling? I don't imagine a larger register cover will help more air get back into the system since the duct is about 14" x 8" anyway.
Photos of other houses with this remodel have both large and small register covers in this spot - it may not matter, but I can't assume both are OK.