I decided to remove the old utility chimney that came up from the basement all the way through the roof. This not only gave us extra floor space on 3 levels, but it gave me a great excuse to get a new
95% efficient gas furnace.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4bEAwz2TuMzOVkjUioAM3v5y37JnsDRUpeVoP1I1DkMS1z2Gw1yRpSxlLpK7uEsqRsAClbfIc_OtJD-BJK1UG5J8U9llaMeTHDAygWdWBe0uHZAibyohaJA-_DImS-LXQ9e_ppun8rH58/s320/ceiling.jpg)
This shows where the old wall was. The plywood on the left is covering the hole left by the chimney. The space on the right was a built-in pantry that had an asbestos-lined heating duct running through it. Hot asbestos does not go well with Wheaties.
The new wall was pushed back 18" and now contains two ducts running upstairs.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jrs523CmhkoIKOV0XE2KP7_Ql7p3lqLmPnG1lKBbEZXHgUEnBgukmwlV5G67YKq-b0CIetURcY0TSrvYuS76nS2KDNwkSOM7YZgsnjyQscEO0GP92rAZjhQsaADKTIgvLH7a_BwUeQgw/s320/cabinet_wall.jpg)
I also added outlets for countertop recepticles and under/over cabinet lighting.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk3OgDTZjrRU7tttHCdvZwo4l86CkmRXeGQyehTsPnO8QEEJI_PHpK9Q0jOxLWW4yq42P0tf7lcxF8rFyeaF1WkJq7gYH89s99r1UzARt2m2iCLJ-gKL5cmeonZ7fDTO7n_fM_4kOxAxeB/s320/level-quick.jpg)
Two ducts run upstairs and one turns out and runs under the cabinets. I used a bag of level-quick to bring the floor up to level with the original subfloor.
Looking at your pictures, I have to say that you were much smarter in how you handled this than I was. While we did the same basic thing (remove chimney, gain space), I like what you did with the ductwork. My mistake was just leaving a cavity for future ducts. Now I still have to go back and add them, which is going to be a very tedious process. Nice job!
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