Can I cover cold air return vents?
Is It Ok To Cover a Return Air Vent? A return air vent is a critical component to making sure your heating and cooling system works properly. Blocking a return air vent can cause the HVAC system to not operate efficiently and can result in premature damage to the components inside your HVAC system.
How can I improve my cold air return?
One way to help combat this problem is to modify your cold air return ducts for better airflow. Whenever possible, expand your existing ducts vertically by cutting out pieces of wallboard and installing a new cover and air filter to fit.
Why is there a return vent in my bedroom?
To put it as simply as I can, return air vents suck air from the rooms in your house in order to return it back to the heating and cooling system through your ductwork. It is then heated or cooled once again before being pushed back into your house to make you comfortable.
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.
How much clearance does a cold air return need?
All your air vents need at least six inches of clearance from all furniture, drapes or other household items to ensure proper system breathing.
Does a bedroom need a cold air return?
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.
Do bedrooms need return air?
Each bedroom needs either: A return air grille ducted back to the furnace; A through-the-wall transfer grille connecting the bedroom and the adjacent hallway; or. A crossover duct (a jumper duct) connecting a ceiling grille in the bedroom with a ceiling grille in the hallway.
How many cold air returns should a house have?
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.