Table of Contents
Where do return air vents lead to?
The best location of the return vents depends on whether the system is heating or cooling the air. If it’s cooling, the return vents should be near the ceiling, where the warm air collects, but if it’s heating, the return vents should draw cool air from the floors.
Do vents bring in outside air?
In short, no. Though in split system air conditioners design, commonly heat pumps, part of your system is located outside your home, it does not take in outside air. Its main operational purpose of cooling the air in your home is not achieved by moving cool air inside, but by moving unwanted heat out.
How does a return air vent work?
It operates by heating or cooling the air and then pumping them into a house. When the cooled air is pushed in, the air that is inside your house needs a place where they can escape. Return air vents will serve this purpose by providing assistance in pulling in the air and then putting it back into the unit.
Should return vents have ducts?
The return air ducts also provide important functions for proper HVAC system operation. They must be properly sized — Return air ducts must be large enough to carry a sufficient amount of expended air back to your furnace, air conditioner, or heat pump.
How do you tell if a vent is a return?
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.
What is a fresh air return?
A Fresh air return, on the other hand, brings in replacement air from outside. That way your air conditioning system not only equalizes the pressure with “cleaner air,” but eliminates infiltration problems; the return air is filtered, conditioned and then distributed throughout the house.
How does outside air get into house?
Outdoor air enters and leaves a house by: natural ventilation, such as through open windows and doors. infiltration, a process by which outdoor air flows into the house through openings, joints and cracks in walls, floors and ceilings, and around windows and doors.
What happens if you block a return air vent?
Blocking air return vents causes your system to work harder, as there is less air flow to move the air back to the furnace. This continued strain on the HVAC system can lead to a decrease in performance and more HVAC repairs down the road.
How important is the return air vent?
Your AC’s return air vent is a critical component of an HVAC system and serves several purposes. Not only do return air vents maintain your home’s air pressure and filter out debris, they can also serve to save you on energy costs and expenses, which is important here in hot and humid Gainesville, Fla.
What is the purpose of cold air return vents?
The return registers draw stale air into the ductwork, where it’s pulled through the filter to capture dust and debris and then delivered back to the HVAC equipment for reconditioning. However, the most important function of the cold air return registers is ensuring ample airflow through the HVAC system.
How far should vent be from return?
All your air vents need at least six inches of clearance from all furniture, drapes or other household items to ensure proper system breathing.
How big should my return air duct be?
Generally, if you are using a Duct Sizing Chart or calculator (such as the Trane Ductulator), size the re- turn ducts for 0.05 inches/100 ft (0.40 Pa/m) based on the expected airflow through that return air duct. The total sum of air from all the returns should be at least 250 CFM/nominal ton (33 l/s per-kW).
Should all return vents have filters?
Should you use a filter in your return vent? For most homes, return vents filters are suggested. They typically won’t cause any damage to your HVAC system and are easy to install – there’s no need for an HVAC technician.
Do all homes have return air vents?
Does Every Room Need Air Return Grilles? 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. The most important place to have these would be the bedroom.
How many return vents should a house have?
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.
Does a furnace draw air from outside?
The architecture of high-efficiency furnaces means that they have their own fresh air intake. This means that they don’t use the air inside your home; rather, they draw air from outside.
Where is the fresh air intake vent?
The air inlet should be located high enough above the ground, or roof surface, to prevent accumulated snow from piling up over it, rainwater from splashing into it, and plants from growing into it. It should be located outside, not in an attic, crawlspace, garage, or attached dwelling.
Which way should air filter face?
To properly insert a new filter, look for the arrow! The arrow on your filter should always face the unit and away from the return air duct that carries the air that will be heated or cooled. HVAC systems push the cool or warm air out and pull spent air in, recirculating the air throughout your home.
