Table of Contents
How do you hide air return vents?
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.
How do you make your own air vent covers?
What can I use as a vent cover?
Use an Old Shutter If you have an air vent in plain sight on a wall, consider turning it into a piece of artwork. Find a used interior window shutter and cut it to the appropriate size for the air vent. Add trim to the shutter, then prime and paint it. Screw on some D-rings and then hang the shutter on the wall.
Can you cover a return air grille?
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 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.
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 can I make my air vents look nice?
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.
What are air vent covers made of?
Cast Brass, Cast Aluminum, Cast Iron, and Steel are the best suited for floor vent covers.
Do vent covers make a difference?
Vent covers, though, can make a big impact on heating and cooling in your home, and even this component of your HVAC system is being updated all the time. Newer vent covers can help you heat and cool your home more effectively, and can also help prevent the buildup and spread of contaminants in your air system.
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.
Can I put a towel over a vent?
You could hang the towel above the vent and let the air pick up the moisture as it passes by the towel, or place bowl of water by the vent. You don’t want to get the room too humid or you may get a dampness/mold problem.
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.
Can you partially cover a cold air return?
While you should never fully close air vents, you may increase energy savings by partially closing one or two outlets in your home that are farthest away from your furnace. Partially closed vents still allow air to flow properly through the HVAC system, which prevents overheating and added pressure to the ductwork.
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.
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.
Will 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.
Can flexible duct be used for return air?
Flex duct is widely used for return air in commercial air conditioning systems. Flex duct is able to withstand a certain negative pressure of return air. When installed properly, a flex duct is a reliable and convenient ductwork solution. Flex duct often gets a bad rep because of airflow issues.
How much does it cost to add a return vent?
Cost of Return Air Plenums Return Air Plenums Costs Zip Code Basic Best Return Air Plenums – Material Prices $50.00 – $60.00 $95.00 – $105.00 Return Air Plenums – Installation Cost $100.25 – $100.35 $150.00 – $200.00 Return Air Plenums – Total $150.25 – $160.35 $245.00 – $305.00.
