HVAC Vents in Duplex Shared Hallway?

Question

Is it typical to have a HVAC to a shared entry hallway in an apartment? I'm redoing the HVAC system in a top/ down duplex. The space contains a short common hallway on the first floor, and continues to the 2nd level staircase (top unit entry door is at the top of stairs). Currently there's no vents here. Location is in Cincinnati. Thanks!

Andrew Powers · Answer

Hi Russell thanks for your input. I'm curious I regards to temperature. It's not such a big area so not concerned about cost of heating/cooling the area.

I would think the temperature from each unit would bleed into common space as you mentioned. Just want to see what other buildings are like

Russell W. · Answer

I have a similar scenario in one of my properties, although I wouldn't necessarily say it's typical. The HVAC for the first floor unit supplies conditioned air into the common hallway/stairway. Your tenants will never notice the difference. If the concern is that they're "paying to heat/cool common space" that's not the case. The HVAC unit is working no more or less by conditioning that space, so long as it's a) not pulling return air from the common space, b) is not reading a thermostat temperature from the common space, and c) not dumping an incredible amount of air into the space (all of which should not be happening regardless). If it puts your mind or your tenants' mind at ease, you can install a damper just before the register and keep it nearly closed. Enough conditioned air will still bleed through to heat/cool the space. It doesn't necessarily need to hold the same temperature as the apartment.