Can a cold air return be in the ceiling?
Most homes across the U.S. have forced air systems and in newer homes there will be cold air return vents placed at both the ceiling and the floor of many rooms. Having two air return vents allows you to seasonally control which air is returning to the HVAC system.
How do you size a return air grille?
In order to determine the size of the tonnage you have, simply divide 980 by 400 CFM per ton. Doing this for this space will yield a tonnage of 2.45. Always round up and we have a tonnage value of 2.5. A return air grill should be sized for an air speed of 300-500 FPM(feet per minute).
Where is the best place to put a return air vent?
Place your cold air return vents on the inside walls of buildings at the lowest point. The return vent pulls cold air from the bottom of the room and returns it to the furnace to be reheated and returned as warm air.
Should return air vents face up or down?
If you have an Air Return is on the upper wall I like to slant the louvers upwards so that floor traffic does not view into the duct opening. That is the same with Supply vents as well IF you have adequate air flow and few cold or hot spots in the room from inadequate air flow or distribution.
Is it OK to 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. Clogged air filters can also cause cold air return blockages.
What happens if return air is undersized?
If the return duct is too small, there are an inadequate number of return grilles or they are undersized, it can’t return enough air to recirculate back into the system. This poor airflow not only makes your system run longer than necessary to provide comfort, but increases your energy bill as well.
Can a return air duct be too big?
Can an air return be too big? No, an air return cannot be too big, except in extreme cases where a closed room is temporarily under negative air pressure. Return vents maintain air pressure, filter out debris, and are critical to the efficient operation of any HVAC system.
Can you have too many return air vents?
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.
How big should a return air vent be?
A typical supply vent is 4 by 10 to 12 inches and a typical return vent is 16 by 20 inches or larger. Houses often have two or more return collecting points, each with a filter, which join before re-entering the heating unit.
Should return air vents be open or closed in winter?
It’s important to remember that hot air rises and cold air falls. 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.
How important is the return air grille?
A return air grill will cover such ducts, and can also act to regulate the flow of air . They also act to close off the ducts from view. A return air grill also has a filter mounted on it to trap particulate matter and thus ensure that the recirculated air is more pure. This can also in the long run reduce the amount of cleaning required for ducts.
Can return air vents be on floor?
Air return vents are located on inside walls. Often they are near the floor. Previously there was a return vent for each room, but now, larger vents are used and there may only be a couple of them in your home.
What is an air return Grill?
A return air grille is a connection to ductwork that allows air to return to a heating and cooling system.
What is a ceiling air vent?
Ceiling vents allow air to pass through the attic and out through vents in the roof. When the cooler kicks on, the ceiling vent is automatically opened by the barometric damper responding to the air pressure change. When the cooler turns off, damper closes automatically.