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When your HVAC system blows air into your home, that changes the air pressure inside. The excess air needs somewhere to go, and that spot is the return vent. The return vent is usually bigger than your supply vents because it’s how the air handler sucks air into the HVAC system.
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.
Should every room have a return vent?
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.
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.
Where is the return air vent?
Return air vents are generally located near the center of the homes. Older and newer homes often have one register per floor, but homes built from 1960-1990 may have a cold return air vent in each room.
How many return vents does a house need?
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.
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 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 does return air work?
What is a Return Air Vent? An air conditioner works by absorbing the warm air and moisture from your home. Once the dampness is separated from the air, your AC unit cools the warm air, and sends it back into your home through the return air vents. So, in a nutshell, it recycles air from each room in your home.
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.
Can you block cold air return?
The system may not be able to cool or heat as efficiently, driving up your utility bills and diminishing your comfort. You can actually freeze the air conditioner coils by blocking return vents.
Do all homes have return vents?
A return air venting system can be installed in one of two ways: either every room with a supply register will also have a return air vent, or there can be centrally located return vents on each floor of your home.
What is the difference between exhaust and return air?
Exhaust duct systems are generally designed to convey contaminated air from industrial process and work spaces to the outdoors, while return air systems are generally designed to circulate “spent” air through a conditioning unit for reintroduction back into the conditioned space.
How are return air vents installed?
Return air ducts usually use ceiling joist spaces as the actual “duct,” which then runs back toward the furnace. These joist spaces empty into an actual duct that runs perpendicular to how the joists run and then down into the side of the furnace.
Can you have too much return air?
Can an air return be too big? No, an air return cannot be too big, except in extreme cases where a closed room is temporarily under negative air pressure. Return vents maintain air pressure, filter out debris, and are critical to the efficient operation of any HVAC system.
How big do return vents have to be?
A typical supply vent is 4 by 10 to 12 inches and a typical return vent is 16 by 20 inches or larger. Houses often have two or more return collecting points, each with a filter, which join before re-entering the heating unit. Two-story houses will have one return downstairs and another upstairs.
Can I put dryer sheets in my vents?
It will stay put even without any tape and will make your entire room smell amazing. You can do the same thing by taping a dryer sheet to any heating or air conditioning vent in the home, too. If you roll up a dirty diaper, stick another dryer sheet in there to help with any odor.
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.
Do I need both a furnace filter and a return air grill filter?
While many people refer to air conditioning and furnace filters as if they’re different, this is not the case. Your furnace and your air conditioning system use the exact same filter, so there’s no need to worry about purchasing separate filters for each piece of equipment.
