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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.
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.
What can I use to cover my air vents?
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.
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 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.
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.
Where should a return air vent be located?
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.
Why do old houses have air vents?
Air vents were plentiful in older homes before more complex heating systems and central air-conditioning were developed. These air ducts, located in the floor and in the walls, helped regulate environmental factors, keep the houses operational and keep the people in them healthy.
How do I cover air vents in my ceiling?
Attach a color-coordinated vent cover. Vent covers are magnetic and can be cut to the exact shape of the vent with scissors. Place them over the vent when the heating or cooling system is not in use. Because vent covers are smooth vinyl, they work best if your ceiling is painted smooth to match.
What color should return vents be?
Vents are usually white and will stick out like sore thumbs against a dark background.
Can return vents be painted?
Air return grilles are metallic, a characteristic that leaves them less suited for paint than porous drywall. Once the return grilles are primed, they will accept paint. Finish the grilles using the appropriate application technique, or the paint may sag.
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.
