Changing With The Seasons
In the same way that hot air rises, cold air stays lower. So when you’re trying to heat your home, your lower return vents should be open to collect the cold air and your upper return vents should be closed to keep the heat from escaping.
How can I hide my cold air return?
Much like the louvered doors, louvered shutters can be used to hide a return air vent without obstructing airflow. These can be hung over the return vent like a picture would be or secured to the wall with hinges allowing you to open and close the shutters when it’s time to replace your return vent filters.
Should I put a filter in my cold air return?
In general, it is recommended to have an air filter in every return vent (as long as you choose the one of the right size and thickness). The filters will improve the air quality in your house and will protect the HVAC equipment from dust, pollen, pet dander, and hair.
What happens if you block an air return?
In the heating cycle, blocked cold air returns can cause the heat exchanger inside the blower compartment to store too much heat and eventually crack. If the cracks are too large, the furnace can emit carbon monoxide into your home’s air. Such a condition normally requires a complete system replacement.
Can you put a couch in front of a cold air return?
Home Inspection Insider explains that an air return vent needs 6-12 inches of space in front of it, and recommends that you do not put large, bulky furniture like couches and bookshelves in front of an air return vent.
Should cold air returns be open or closed in winter?
Because hot air rises and cold air falls, you need to adjust your return vents with the seasons. In the summer, your lower vents should be closed and your upper vents should be open. In the winter, your upper vents should be closed and your lower vents should be open.
Should cold air returns be insulated?
While insulating the cold air return might not be important, sealing it is, for two reasons. One is that you want air recycled from the rooms you are heating or cooling. This way, they don’t feel stuffy and are easier to heat or cool.
Why are cold air returns near the ceiling?
In an air conditioning climate the return duct goes near the ceiling to draw off the hot air and cool it down. In a heating climate, the return duct goes near the floor to draw off the cold air and heat it up.
Is it OK to cover air vents?
You could mess with the air flow.
Just because you cover the vent, it doesn’t mean your HVAC system knows that. It will keep pushing air to those vents, and if they’re closed, you could cause a buildup of air pressure and insufficient airflow which could damage your system.
What can I cover an air vents in the wall?
Use an Acrylic Fiberglass Air Vent Cover
Solely for use on walls and ceilings, this option for air vent covers offers a luxurious and modern upgrade to conventional covers. Installation is as easy as attaching the product to the wall or ceilings using self-adhesive silicone.
Is there a filter in the return vent?
Installed at the return vent in your home, they pre-filter dust and other particles. This keeps your ductwork clean and extends the life of the main filter at your HVAC unit. If you have a standard-sized return vent in your home, it will be able to accommodate a regular, rectangular-shaped air filter.
What does a return vent look like?
You can identify return vents by turning on the system fan and holding your hand or a piece of paper up. If the paper is pulled toward the vent or you feel a suction effect, it’s a return vent.
Are return air vents necessary?
Return air vents are an important part of your HVAC system. These vents allow the air that is in your home to return to the system for heating or cooling in order to maintain the proper temperature in the home.
How many cold air returns should a house have?
Your Home Might Not Have Enough Return Vents
Having several return vents (ideally one in every room, but even two or three is better than just one) creates consistent air pressure. If you have one return vent, your home is fine. Keep the doors to each room open so air can properly circulate.
Can I block a return duct?
air ducts are getting proper circulation. Most residential cooling and heating systems operate as closed-loop systems. In a closed-loop system, air returns play an essential role, and it is important not to block them.
