Possible to eliminate ugly indoor ventilation bulkhead and replace it with something new?

Renothecondo

My condo has gas heat and built in the 1970's. There is an ugly ventilation bulkhead that runs down the ceiling of the living/dining area. Is it possible to eliminate the bulkhead and replace it with a newer ventilation that is built into the ceiling?

icesailor

What does this "Bulkhead" look like?

Renothecondo

It's like a hanging rectangular box that runs along the ceiling the length of the room...and abutts the wall. I'll try to attach a picture.

wchevron

Is it a sheetrocked soffit below the ceiling. If so, I'm assuming your ductwork main trunkline runs in it. No way to get rid of it if that's the case.

Renothecondo

Ok, well thanks for your reply. That's what I was told by someone else but thought I'd get another opinion. I really appreciate it. :-)

Zman

Your "bulkhead" is not really providing ventilation as no air is being vented.. It is heating your house by using forced (scorched) air heat.
I agree that you most likely cannot remove the duct and keep the forced air. If you are doing extensive renovating it might be worth considering a hot water system. You can move a similar amount of energy using (2)-3/4" pipes that could drilled through the joists. You would also eliminate the dusty nasty air blowing around.