Ceiling vents do a better job cooling and floor vents do a better job
Registers used in walls and ceilings force colder air down into a room while those in floors push heated air up. This creates a more even temperature throughout the space.
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.
Cons Of Ceiling Vents
Inefficient Air Distribution For Heating – If the unit is used year-round, some heated air will be lost due to heat transfer. Remember, heat rises, so if it starts at the ceiling, it has nowhere to go but up.
Yes, not a problem as long as you have clearance in the new location. A vent is simply a hole in the ceiling with a nice cover over it to hide the hole and to direct air. Esp. if it is flexible tubing and you can reroute it so there are no obstructions, then you can do this.
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.
There's a myth floating around that closing ceiling air vents helps you save energy, as you avoid heating rooms you may not be using. However, closing vents in unused rooms isn't a good idea. The efficiency of your HVAC system depends on the flow of air through the ducts.
Ceiling vents do a better job cooling and floor vents do a better job heating. If your priority is cooling, put your HVAC in the attic and ducting and heating vents in the ceiling. If you prioritize heating, put the HVAC and vents in (or below) the floor. This principle works for return heating vents as well.
Improved Air Circulation: Ridge vents facilitate natural convection by allowing hot air to rise and escape from the attic space. This continuous airflow helps to prevent stagnant air pockets within the home, promoting better air circulation and reducing the likelihood of stuffiness and discomfort.
Caps are made for this purpose and they are inexpensive. You can also get a vent cover. The ones I have seen are made of material similar to a magnetic sign. Just slap it on.
If you have an air gap above the insulation, it must be ventilated. The excess heat must have some place to go. Preferably through a ventilated ridge cap, and continuous soffit vents at the overhangs.
It is common for offices and homes to have black marks surrounding the vents on the ceiling. Sometimes this is misattributed to mould, but is usually a sign that there is fine particulate present in the air. It gathers around ceiling vents due to static electricity, air flow and the condensation of water.
Attic ventilation affects your roof's lifespan
While many factors impact a roof's lifespan, proper attic ventilation is one of the most important. Without proper ventilation, trapped hot and cold air in the attic dramatically shortens your roof's lifespan.
They help regulate indoor temperatures, distribute airflow efficiently, and promote better air circulation, all of which contribute to improved indoor air quality and enhanced energy efficiency.
While living in the south, you may have noticed that extreme heat is more common than extreme cold. If you remember basic science, you'll know that hot air rises, and cold air sinks, making ceiling vents the delivery location of choice for places that often experience warmth and humidity.
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.
For air circulation. Hot air rises (because it is less dense than cold air, having fewer molecules per square inch), so for the most part warmer air goes through the vents above interior doors while colder air moves from room to room through the gap at the bottom of an interior door.
Grilles and Registers
The term “grille” (sometimes spelled “grill”) most often is used to refer to the permanent metal covering over the vents, be they return or supply. Grilles are found in walls, ceilings, and floors. Registers refer to the slatted openings that can be controlled by an adjustable damper.
Typically the biggest disadvantage is just how how or cold the attic gets. There will be considerable pressure against the insulation any time the space surrounding the duct is a significantly different than the air inside the duct. That will make proper insulation even more important.
EXPERT RECOMMENDATION: If you want to try to balance the airflow throughout your home, you should not close vents completely; HOWEVER, you can close them slightly (not more than 75% closed) to help distribute air better to the areas that need it most.
WALL VENTILATION
This means all bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens and utility rooms must have a vent installed in the wall or in the window. It is possible that this can come in the form of a window trickle vent or in a wall.
By following a series of simple steps, you can safely remove the floor and ceiling vents that are attached to duct openings throughout your home or business. This gives you the opportunity to clean the vents and remove any dust and debris that may have accumulated over time.
Many homeowners believe that closing heating vents in unused rooms will force cool air to travel to areas they spend more time in, but it can actually have the opposite effect. That's right, closing your heating vents can decrease your HVAC system's cooling ability.
Closing the vents doesn't do it any favors. In fact, instead of helping the air conditioner cool less, closed registers force the same amount of air through other ducts. This builds pressure in the system and makes your HVAC system work harder to distribute the air where you need it.