Can I cover a return air vent?

While you should have a filter on your air return vent to prevent too much dust or moisture from entering your air system and recirculating back to you, you should never actually cover a return air vent. Keep furniture and even curtains at least 10” away from the vent opening in order to allow for proper air flow.

What happens if you cover a return 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.

Should you cover a return air 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.

What happens if you block a cold air return?

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.

Can I put something over a return vent?

Keep large, bulky furniture away from air return vents and consider replacing or painting the vent cover to update a room without harming your HVAC system. Open-backed pieces of furniture may be options to place in front of an air return vent, so long as they do not obstruct airflow when objects are placed on them.

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Can covering a vent cause a fire?

Fire Hazard

Perhaps the most obvious (and most dangerous) result of a blocked vent is that it will cause a fire.

Should you cover cold air returns in winter?

Changing With The Seasons

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.

Should you cover cold air returns in summer?

Because hot air rises and cold air falls, you need to adjust your return vents with the seasons. In the summer, your lower vents should be closed and your upper vents should be open. In the winter, your upper vents should be closed and your lower vents should be open.

Should cold air returns be sealed?

Return air ducts must be sealed and unobstructed — Sealing return air ducts is just as important as sealing supply ducts. Sealing all duct section connections with mastic, a specialized rubbery sealant, or with metal tape prevents air leaks.

How important is 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 happens if you block a vent in your house?

When you block a supply vent, air still pushes against it. This constant push of air to a blocked air vent can create an increase in pressure, and when combined with inadequate airflow, it can cause damage to your HVAC system's heat exchanger.

What is the purpose of a return air vent?

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.

Can you block a vent?

You snap those vents shut, anxious to see your energy savings and looking forward to all that extra toastiness in other rooms. However, blocking a vent in an attempt to redirect heat, though commonly done, is actually ineffective and possibly even damaging to your HVAC system.

Can you cover a wall vent?

Look for products that are made with unique materials, like mesh. You don't have to purchase a product that's marketed as an air vent cover. Instead, look for a framed print or pattern that covers the vent while allowing air to go through.

Why is cold air coming out of my return vent?

So why is cold air coming out of your vents? It is most likely a leaky duct system—but you should have your home's heating efficiency checked out by an HVAC professional.

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. They must be properly sized — Return air ducts must be large enough to carry a sufficient amount of expended air back to your furnace, air conditioner, or heat pump.

How can I improve my cold air return?

Is it OK to close off vents in unused rooms?

The short answer is no; you should not close air vents in your house. Closing vents can actually waste more energy than operating your system normally. How does closing air vents waste energy? Because when you close vents in unused rooms, your central air system will push the excess air to other places in your home.

Which return vents should be open in summer?

Open High Returns in the Summer

Therefore, opening the right return vents in the summer and winter significantly improves the distribution of air by your forced-air system. You'll also enjoy more even heating and cooling throughout your home. In the summer, open your high returns and close the low ones.

Why is my bedroom hotter than the rest of the house in winter?

First, check for these common problems: Dirty air filter—A dirty filter restricts airflow, not letting your home get enough cool air. Closed vents—Closed vents in rooms can cause them to be hotter than other rooms. Open windows—Your conditioned air can flow out of open windows, leaving uneven temperatures in your home.

Is it OK to close air vents in winter?

Air vents should be open to prevent damage

Increased air pressure can create cracks and holes in 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.

Where does the cold air return go?

When warm air is delivered to a room, the existing cold air in that room is pushed into the cold air returns. Once inside your cold air returns, that air travels through your ductwork back to your furnace where it is filtered, heated and sent back to warm your home.

How many return vents should a house have?

Ideally, every room except the kitchen and bath should have its own return air grille. At the very least, each level of the house should have one. Even so, many homes were built with just one or even no return ducts in an attempt to cut costs.

Are plastic vent covers safe?

If these vents fall or are blown from a roof, they can cause serious injury. Plastic ones are designed with smooth rounded edges and being lightweight they're less likely to cause damage.