What happens if you block the 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. Such a condition normally requires a complete system replacement.
Is it OK to block a cold air return?
Long story short: It's never a good idea to cover up cold air returns. Don't succumb to the temptation, and always check that air is circulating freely when you move furniture. If your HVAC system isn't performing the way you would like, it might have other efficiency issues.
Can you partially block a return air vent?
air ducts are getting proper circulation. Most residential cooling and heating systems operate as closed-loop systems. In a closed-loop system, air returns play an essential role, and it is important not to block them.
Can you cover air return vents winter?
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.
How can I hide my cold air return?
3:449:14Made if you still want to cover the air return vents even after painting it if you don't like it youMoreMade if you still want to cover the air return vents even after painting it if you don't like it you can use a screen panel or a decorative door mat i'm using the screen panel.
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.
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.
Is it OK to put furniture in front of an air return?
Home Inspection Insider explains that an air return vent needs 6-12 inches of space in front of it, and recommends that you do not put large, bulky furniture like couches and bookshelves in front of an air return vent.
Are return air vents necessary?
Return air vents are an important part of your HVAC system. These vents allow the air that is in your home to return to the system for heating or cooling in order to maintain the proper temperature in the home.
Is it OK to cover air vents?
You could mess with the air flow. Just because you cover the vent, it doesn't mean your HVAC system knows that. It will keep pushing air to those vents, and if they're closed, you could cause a buildup of air pressure and insufficient airflow which could damage your system.
Should every room have 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.
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.