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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.
Is it OK to cover a return air 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.
How do you cover an air return?
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.
Can you block a cold air return vent?
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.
What happens when you cover up a return 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.
Can you hang a picture over a return air vent?
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.
Do you need a filter in a return vent?
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.
What can I cover a vent with?
Find a collection of pictures, prints of your favorite art, award ribbons, or other small trinkets that can fit over the surface of the vent. Attach or tie the items to the slats or bars of your air vent to keep them secure. As you arrange these decorations, make sure that you’re not covering the vent completely.
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.
How do you make your own air vent covers?
Step 1: Measure the opening of your air vent. Step 2: Cut your frame boards. Step 3: Dry fit your vent cover frame. Step 4: Drill pocket holes and construct frame. Step 5b: Add wood filler to any gaps. Step 6: Sand vent cover frame until smooth. Step 7: Paint your frame. Step 8: Cut screen to size.
Why do houses have cold air returns?
Their purpose is to allow air to return to the furnace to be heated or cooled. It is an air inlet. If your home has returns in most rooms this is the best setup, allowing for the best circulation and air flow.
Should cold air returns be sealed?
The cold air return ductwork is as important to your home’s heating and air conditioning as the lines coming out. Not only will it make your HVAC system work harder, it could also make you or your family members sick. Sealing the return ductwork helps keep the air in your home clean and breathable.
Is it OK to block a vent?
Preventative maintenance will keep your HVAC system in top operating condition for maximum efficiency. Additionally, you shouldn’t block any air vents inside your homes. Covering HVAC vents will not conserve energy or decrease energy costs. In fact, it can result in the opposite.
Can covering a vent cause a fire?
Fire Hazard Perhaps the most obvious (and most dangerous) result of a blocked vent is that it will cause a fire. When you’re forcing your system to overwork, as mentioned in our first point, you put your furnace at high risk of setting on fire.
Should every room have a cold air return?
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.
Can you put a dresser over a heat vent?
The short answer to this question is “No.” Vents are there to provide for a necessary free flow of air. Block that flow, and your home will run sub-optimally, and you could even cause damage to your HVAC system.
How much clearance do you need for an air return vent?
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 do you clean cold air return vents?
To clean, place the covers in a sink filled with hot, soapy water and wash with a microfiber cloth. “Use just a small amount of dish detergent,” Reichert advised. “And don’t soak vent covers too long or rub too hard as the paint could come off. Then you’ll have a much bigger project on your hands.”Aug 18, 2015.
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.
