Return vents are usually larger than supply vents, and they usually don't have adjustable slats to direct airflow since the air is going into the ducts instead of out. Return vents may be found on the floor, on the ceiling, or at the base of the wall like a typical supply vent.
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.
How Whole House Fans Work. Whole house fans pull outdoor air into a home through open windows and exhaust it through vents in the attic and roof. This air circulation, in cubic feet per minute (CFM) provides cooling both in the house and the attic.
Return air vents connect to your return ducts, and they're typically larger than supply vents. Again, depending on the design of your ductwork and home, HVAC return vent locations vary but are often in central areas, kitchens, bathrooms, and pollutant-prone areas so as to best collect stale or dirty air.
The added pressure from closing a vent can cause several problems in your HVAC system and, ultimately, waste energy. So, does closing your vents save energy? Our experts say no — it does not save energy, and you are better off keeping vents open.
It's important to remember that static vents serve a purpose, especially in older homes. They provide ventilation to indoor spaces, help regulate indoor temperatures and prevent the build-up of excess moisture in wall cavities and rooms which can lead to mould outbreaks and damage to building materials.
If you block an air vent with your furniture, with tape, or otherwise, you will negatively impact your HVAC system and the air quality and comfort of your home.
Return vents are usually larger than supply vents, and they usually don't have adjustable slats to direct airflow since the air is going into the ducts instead of out. Return vents may be found on the floor, on the ceiling, or at the base of the wall like a typical supply vent.
You can usually spot return vents on your walls, ceiling, or floors. Look for a white grille without shutters to spot an air return vent. These vents will typically integrate seamlessly into your home.
When Should I Open and Close My HVAC Dampers? In most houses, dampers on the upper level are opened in the summer and shut in the winter. In the winter, closing the dampers on your HVAC system to the upstairs allows for heat to rise naturally as it is distributed throughout the home.
Have you ever asked yourself this question: What are the vents in my ceiling? Depending on your setup, these vent covers are called registers or grilles. Vent covers can also be located on the side of your walls or in the floor. Registers and grilles help regulate the air flow to and from your HVAC unit.
Why are attic fans not used anymore? Due to inefficiencies in relying on existing attic vents for air intake, attic fans have lost popularity. These vents often aren't designed for this purpose, resulting in inadequate replacement air supply.
Whole House Fans should never be used simultaneously with air conditioning of any kind – central air or window units.
Grilles and Registers
Grilles are found in walls, ceilings, and floors. Registers refer to the slatted openings that can be controlled by an adjustable damper. These are usually rolling lever-type guides, or levers on the side of the vent, that open and close the damper to manage supply air flow from the supply ducts.
Exhaust vents are installed at the top of the roof. Their primary job is to provide an unobstructed exit for the heat, hot air, odors and moisture trapped in your attic.
Ceiling Vents: A Good Choice for Cooling
Ceiling registers are preferred in warm climates where cooling is needed most of the year. Cool air rises, and cool air falls. Therefore, the cool air from your ceiling registers will flow through your entire living space instead of pooling on the floor.
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. Return vents exist to remove the extra air.
If your HVAC system is designed this way, blocking off a single return vent can wreak havoc on the system and lead to: Pressure imbalances that let allergens and pollutants get pulled into your air supply from unconditioned areas.
You should never block your air return vents. Period. However, if you're looking to keep your home cooler in the summer, you can try closing lower supply vents and keeping upper ones open, allowing cooler air temperatures to come in from above and sink throughout your house.
Air conditioner vents are typically located on each room's walls, floors, or ceilings. You might have noticed them: rectangular grilles with slats. These grilles can often be adjusted to direct airflow in a specific direction, allowing you to control where and how cool air circulates within a particular space.
Closed vents restrict airflow, which results in overheated air handlers and frozen evaporator coils. The restricted airflow also creates a lot of pressure in the ducts. The added pressure can cause major components like your AC compressor to break down.
Since ridge vents are situated at the roof's peak, they are ideal for releasing the hottest air from the attic. In addition, they have the necessary surface area to release a lot of hot air because they span the entire roof. The natural movement of hot and cold air is utilized by vertical ventilation.
Block Off the Vent: You can block the vent by placing a piece of furniture at the opening or purchasing a magnetic damper that's strong enough to stick to the steel on the wall or ceiling. Plastic sheeting can be placed over the opening as well. You can also install a vent grille filter.
You should never close your return vents on purpose, but it can happen accidentally. “It can happen from people not paying attention and throwing a rug over it or a couch that doesn't have feet, and they cover the return,” Smith says. Keep furniture at least 10 inches from return vents to allow proper airflow.
National Fire Experts (NFE) investigators have encountered this issue with bathroom vent fans. If not properly cleaned, dust will accumulate in the fan's enclosure, causing its motor to stall and overheat. This excessive heat may then ignite the dust and plastic covers over the vent.