Table of Contents
Can I use flexible duct for cold air return?
Flex duct doesn’t come in an R12 version, so you will have to wrap it. Its fine to use for a return.
Can you put cold air return in toe kick?
Thanks. Yes, you can simply put a register cover over the opening in the toe kick. The opening beneath the cabinet serves as the duct. Placing register in toe kick area makes it less obtrusive than placing on side of cabinet.
What size should a cold air return be?
A typical supply vent is 4 by 10 to 12 inches and a typical return vent is 16 by 20 inches or larger. Houses often have two or more return collecting points, each with a filter, which join before re-entering the heating unit. Two-story houses will have one return downstairs and another upstairs.
How far can you run flex duct?
Flexible duct shall be supported at manufacturer’s recommended intervals, but at no greater distance than four feet. Maximum permissible sag is 1/2 inch per foot of spacing between supports.
What will blocking a cold air return do?
Restricting the airflow in the air handler or blower contributes to premature system problems, which can be serious. 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.
Can you put furniture in front of air intake?
Most people would tell you, no, you cannot put furniture in front of an air return vent. The bottom line is as long as the furniture piece is open on all sides and the bottom allowing the return air vent to draw in air to the heating and cooling system unobstructed, it should be fine.
What is a cold air frame?
This cold air frame can either attached to the studs with nails or screws. The tabs provide an easy install. It provides the transition from the wall duct chase to a wall grille. This product is installed before the drywall goes in.
What happens if there is not enough return air?
If there is not enough return air available, your HVAC system will not heat or cool properly. If not enough air is brought back, your HVAC system will not be able to keep up with temperature demands. In some cases, two returns may be necessary to provide enough return air.
Where do you put cold air returns?
Ideally you want a cold air return register in every major room in your home. This would not include bathrooms and closets, but bedrooms, living rooms, etc. Older homes might only have just one or two on each floor.
Does a finished basement need a cold air return?
I recommend that all basements should have at least 2 supply registers and 1 return register in the basement/equipment area just to keep that area slightly warm or cool and the air fresh. If you are going to finish that area to be used as living space, then more supply and returns will be needed.
Do you need a cold air return in every room?
While it is a myth that air return grilles are required in each and every room in the house, it is definitely necessary to have more than one of these grilles installed at strategic places in the house. Likewise, you can also install these in rooms that have a high footfall or usage in the house.
Can air return too big?
Can an air return be too big? No, an air return cannot be too big, except in extreme cases where a closed room is temporarily under negative air pressure. Return vents maintain air pressure, filter out debris, and are critical to the efficient operation of any HVAC system.
Where should I put my return and supply ducts?
“An HVAC return air duct should be in every room except a bathroom and kitchen. They should be on interior walls across the room from the supply ducts that should be washing exterior walls with conditioned air.”.
Does Flex duct reduce airflow?
Friction is the enemy of airflow. Unlike rigid ducts, which are cut to length within a tolerance of 1 inch or less, it’s easy to cut a length of flexible duct that’s several feet longer than is needed to get from point A to point B [2A]. That creates slack in the duct, which reduces airflow for two reasons.
Can you run electrical wire through cold air return?
electrician. You can run straight through the return air space between your joists, you can’t run along the return air space. Perpendicular, not parallel.
Should cold air returns be open or closed in the 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 high or low?
To ensure efficiency during the cooling season, your home should have high registers. High return registers draw hot air that rises to the ceiling back into the system to repeat the cooling cycle.
How do you disguise a return vent?
How to Make Over Your Ugly Air Vents Conceal it. Out of sight, out of mind. Paint it. Hide an air vent in plain sight with a fresh coat of the same paint color you used on the walls. Switch out the cover. Say goodbye to those sad slats and replace them with a piece of framed, patterned mesh. Go shopping.
How far should furniture be from return vent?
Keep couches, chairs and other large pieces of furniture at least 10 inches away from your cold air return vents. Avoid covering your cold air return vents with curtains, drapes or rugs. Always check your air filters and replace them when needed. Clogged air filters can also cause cold air return blockages.
Can you put a TV in front of a vent?
As a general guideline, the rear of the TV should be 2 to 6 inches away from the wall and the sides of the TV should have about 4 inches of ventilation space. Never place the TV in a confined space, such as a bookcase or built-in cabinet, unless proper ventilation is provided.
Should you put filters in air returns?
Your AC system should have a proper fitting filter on the return side. By placing a good fitting, high quality filter on the return vent, you will remove particles from the air before they can enter the AC system. A good filter will keep your air handling unit, coils, and ducts clean.
