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In an air conditioning climate the return duct goes near the ceiling to draw off the hot air and cool it down. In general, all of the house hot air outlets should be equal in size to all of the cold air returns, to keep the system balanced and air flowing smoothly.
Where should my cold air returns be located?
Where are cold air returns located? Cold air returns are located on interior walls in a home, typically close to the floor or low on the wall. You want to make sure that cold air return vents are not blocked or covered by furniture so that your home can get proper air circulation.
Can Return air vents be in the ceiling?
Most homes across the U.S. have forced air systems and in newer homes there will be cold air return vents placed at both the ceiling and the floor of many rooms. Having two air return vents allows you to seasonally control which air is returning to the HVAC system.
Should cold air returns be up high or down low?
For optimal efficiency, it’s ideal to have return registers installed. To ensure efficiency during the cooling season, your home should have high registers. Without high registers, your home’s low-level registers will draw cooler air back to the system, and your rooms will be left with the warm air at the ceiling.
Is ceiling vent cold air return should it be open?
In the same way that hot air rises, cold air stays lower. So when you’re trying to heat your home, your lower return vents should be open to collect the cold air and your upper return vents should be closed to keep the heat from escaping.
Can a return be in the ceiling?
If you are in the far north, or in the Southern US, the answer is simple. In an air conditioning climate the return duct goes near the ceiling to draw off the hot air and cool it down. In a heating climate, the return duct goes near the floor to draw off the cold air and heat it up.
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.
How do you block cold air from ceiling vents?
How to Close Any Ceiling Vent Slide the switch up or down to stop the airflow. The dial could be underneath the vent cover – a screwless model like this one can just be popped off. Remove the vent cover using a drill or screwdriver. For a constant flow of fresh air, keep the vents open.
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 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.
Why do air vents face the windows?
Cold air sinks to the floor and makes for uncomfortable, cool spots in the room. Having the heating vents under the windows counteracts the movement of the cold air to the floor.
Should you leave window vents open in winter?
Window vents let the heat out Any cooling of the internal temperature in winter from a trickle vent is marginal. Keep your trickle vents open.
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 ceiling vents be closed in winter?
Along with providing heat to the home, air vents are designed to release the air pressure from inside the ductwork. It can also cause your furnace’s heat exchanger to crack. Leave all air vents open to prevent extensive damage to your home’s heating system this winter.
What is the purpose of cold air returns?
The return registers draw stale air into the ductwork, where it’s pulled through the filter to capture dust and debris and then delivered back to the HVAC equipment for reconditioning. However, the most important function of the cold air return registers is ensuring ample airflow through the HVAC system.
What is the purpose of a vent return?
Your Return Vents Are Responsible for Air Pressure 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.
What is the disadvantage in having ducts in the ceiling?
Ductwork serving ceiling ducts is usually exposed to attic temperature extremes in both winter and summer. In winter, heat loss from attic ducts may affect furnace warmth while heat gain may raise the temperature of A/C airflow in summer. Ductwork serving floor ducts usually passes through the basement or crawlspace.
How big does a cold air return need to be?
In most cases, if you are installing ducts in each room where there is a supply, you will want to go with the same size as your supply vents. If you are installing just one or two return vents, you will want to go with a 12-inch return for 2-ton units and lower. 14- inches for 3 and up.
Why are heating vents on the ceiling?
Because hot air rises, and cool air sinks, ceiling vents are the delivery system of choice for cooled air, particularly in hot, humid climates with a predisposition for cooling. In geographic locations where heating needs predominate, however, the story changes, putting floor vents in the spotlight.
