The standard practice is to position these vents so that one can't see through them to the ducting beyond. So,
return vents closer to the ground should be oriented pointing downward
. Conversely, return vents closer to the ceiling should be oriented pointing upward.
Should cold air return vents point up or down?
In the winter you want the cold air to be drawn through the return registers leaving the hot air behind
. By opening the lower registers and closing the top ones you keep hot air in and draw the cold air out. Since cold air is heavy it will automatically flow down to the lower register.
Should supply air vents face up or down?
Heat rises; cold drops, so aim highest as it will eventually go down (conversely for warm air). aqnd wrote:
Aim it upwards
. In homes with central AC, vents are typically on the floor pointing upward for the reason you mentioned. You want to displace the hot air up top and hopefully get a current flowing.
Where do you put return air vents?
- Examine your home heating system. …
- Place your cold air return vents on the inside walls of buildings at the lowest point. …
- Place the vent at least 10 feet away from a thermostat, because the cold air draft may cause incorrect temperature readings.
Where is my AC return 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 do return vents work?
Return vents: What is a return vent? These vents
suck the air from each room and send it back to the air conditioning or heating system
. Return vents tend to be bigger than supply vents, and you won't feel any air coming from them. When an HVAC system delivers air to a room, it increases that room's air pressure.
What happens if you block a return air vent?
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
. If the cracks are too large, the furnace can emit carbon monoxide into your home's air. Such a condition normally requires a complete system replacement.
Should your return vent have a filter?
In general,
it is recommended to have an air filter in every return vent
(as long as you choose the one of the right size and thickness). The filters will improve the air quality in your house and will protect the HVAC equipment from dust, pollen, pet dander, and hair.
How do I know if my return vent is working?
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
.
Can you put furniture in front of 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.
Can you put furniture in front of a return air vent?
So how much space does an air return vent need to work properly? Home Inspection Insider explains that an air return vent needs 6-12 inches of space in front of it, and
recommends that you do not put large, bulky furniture like couches and bookshelves in front of an air return vent
.
Can you hang a picture over a return air vent?
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 much space should be in front of air return?
All your air vents need at least
six inches
of clearance from all furniture, drapes or other household items to ensure proper system breathing.
How important is the return air vent?
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.
How do you clean air return vents?
Clean Out the Vents: Turn off your heat or A/C and cover furniture if your vents are in the ceiling.
Vacuum your vents with a dust attachment, and then use a microfiber duster to loosen anything missed by the vacuum
. Avoid using water and cleaning products, as they smear the dust around and turn it into a paste.
How often should you change air return filter?
Here are averages that may help you know how regularly you should get a new air filter at your residence: Vacation house or one occupant and no pets or allergies:
every 6–12 months
. Ordinary suburban home without pets: every 90 days. One dog or cat: every 60 days.
