How to arrange heating ducts in a basement

Q: How should I arrange heating ducts as I convert an unfinished basement space into a couple of bedrooms? Right now the heat ducts are up at the ceiling. Should I extend them down to floor level? Do I need to bother installing return air ducts, too?

A: Getting basement bedrooms to be warm is always a challenge, and the proper installation of ducts is a surprisingly important part of success. I'd definitely bring the heat ducts down to the floor, but even more important than that is proper location of the return air ducts. These must also be installed at floor level, ideally on the opposite side of each room from the heat ducts. Return ducts deliver air back to the furnace for re-heating, and if they're not located near the floor you'll get cold pockets of stagnant air down low.