Table of Contents
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 cover up a 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.
What happens if you cover an air return?
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.
Is it OK to block a cold air return?
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.
How do you make a vent cover?
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.
Should I paint air return vents?
Your air vents should match your wall color. Otherwise, they will become focal points in the room because of the color contrast. Most air vents unscrew easily, and are small enough to paint quickly.
Can you put a couch in front of a return vent?
Most people would tell you, no, you cannot put furniture in front of an air return vent. For example, you can’t place a couch or chair or any piece of furniture that has a back into it in front of a return air vent because it will block all airflow into the return air vent.
Should you put a filter in your return vent?
Do not put filters in your supply vents. 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. Filters for supply vents are a bad idea.
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.
Should there be 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.
Should you cover cold air returns 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.
Can I cover an air vent?
You could damage the heat exchanger. If there’s a buildup of pressure from air being pushed to covered vents, the low airflow could create problems with your heat exchanger, causing it to crack and lead to carbon monoxide emissions.
How do I block a vent?
To block off a heating vent with sheet magnet, start by measuring the height and length of the vent. Then, cut out a piece of sheet magnet that’s the same size as the vent. Once you’ve cut out the piece of sheet magnet, stick it over the vent and you’re finished!.
What are air vent covers made of?
Cast Brass, Cast Aluminum, Cast Iron, and Steel are the best suited for floor vent covers.
How do you paint air return vents?
Remove the air return grille, using a screwdriver. Wash the grille with a degreasing soap, using a sponge. Rinse the grille with wet rags and dry it with a towel. Place the grille on a fabric drop cloth. Coat the air return grille with etching spray primer. Coat the air return grille with spray paint or enamel.
What color should return vents be?
Vents are usually white and will stick out like sore thumbs against a dark background.
Can I spray paint my air vents?
So if you are looking to do some simple upgrades – clean off those vent covers and give them a coat of spray paint! This is a great upgrade project to do if you are planning on selling your home too to make it more appealing to buyers.
What color should air vents be?
Black registers and grilles are excellent in more modern spaces. Brown or tan registers and grills: A little more neutral than black, brown and tan registers look great in rooms with wood paneling. They also tend to blend better in more traditional homes.
