DIY Builds
Photo by Karen F Pexels Logo Photo: Karen F

How much space do you need between air vents and furniture?

Keep furniture and even curtains at least 10” away from the vent opening in order to allow for proper air flow. It's important to keep the area in front of your return air vents clear for a few reasons. If you don't, it reduces the efficiency of your air system and causes it to use more energy.

christopherscottcabinetry.com - Common Air Return Vents Questions - Christopher Scott Cabinetry
How long will untreated cedar last?
How long will untreated cedar last?

Naturally rot-resistant wood varieties, like cedar and redwood, can give up to 30 years of use but will cost 12 times more than untreated lumber.

Read More »
Last updated May 26, 2022
How much does a 6x6 concrete slab cost?
How much does a 6x6 concrete slab cost?

A 6-inch concrete slab will also require more material and labor than a 4-inch concrete slab. Installing a 4-inch concrete slab costs an average of...

Read More »
Last updated Nov 5, 2020

Do You Need A Return Vent In Every Room?

An air return vent in every room of the home is becoming more common in modern building codes. In homes older than 10 years, there is usually just one return air vent per floor or large section of a home, located centrally so that the suction can pull air efficiently from every corner of the level.

How Do I Know If My Return Air Vent Is Working?

Because the return air vent works to suck air from a room and back into the ducts, you can try this simple test to see if it is working: take a tissue or thin paper and hold it in front of the return air vent, about 6” away. If the paper is being pulled toward the vent, you know it is doing its main duty.

Is It Okay To 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. It’s important to keep the area in front of your return air vents clear for a few reasons. If you don’t, it reduces the efficiency of your air system and causes it to use more energy. This can not only increase your bill but can even wear out your system faster than necessary causing the need for repairs or even replacement.

BUY: Get Your Custom Decorative Vent Covers Now!

Can You Put A Couch Over A Floor Vent?

It’s not a great idea to cover a floor vent, even with a couch that has legs lifting it up off the floor. You want a good 10” between large, dense furniture for optimal airflow from a floor vent or any other vent. Covering a floor vent with furniture will simply diminish the efficiency of air flow and temperature control in the space.

Should I Block Cold Air Return Vents In The Summer?

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.

Should Return Air Vents Be Open Or Closed In Winter?

Once again, NEVER close a return air vent. If you have operable cold air SUPPLY vents in your home, you can close upper supply air vents and keep lower return air vents open in the winter to keep your home cozy while allowing your heating system to work efficiently.

What Happens If There Is Not Enough Return Air?

As mentioned earlier, getting enough return air to your HVAC system is crucial for its proper functioning. When there isn’t enough air, it strains the system but can also prevent latent heat from getting to the evaporator coil causing it to freeze, which can cause even further damage.

What are door shims?
What are door shims?

Plain and simple, a shim is a tapered wedge used for making slight adjustments to home elements, such as door frames and windows, to make them...

Read More »
Last updated Oct 25, 2019
What is the main ingredient in Miracle Grow?
What is the main ingredient in Miracle Grow?

According to Gardening Tips Idea, the composition of Miracle-Gro is 15 percent nitrogen, 30 percent phosphate, 15 percent soluble potash, 0.15...

Read More »
Last updated Jan 29, 2022
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »
Promotion

Will building materials go down in 2022?
Will building materials go down in 2022?

Since the pandemic, lumber prices have skyrocketed to record highs, adding to new-home construction costs. But prices are now coming down. Lumber...

Read More »
Last updated Oct 1, 2022
How many solar panels does it take to heat a garage?
How many solar panels does it take to heat a garage?

Although the amount will vary depending on the size of your car's battery, around 10 solar panels should generate enough electricity to charge the...

Read More »
Last updated Oct 9, 2020
How can I make 1k a day?
How can I make 1k a day?

How can you make an extra $1,000 a day fast? Deliver food with DoorDash. Dog sit and dog walk with Rover. Do projects on HomeAdvisor. Resell on...

Read More »
Last updated Sep 28, 2021
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »
Promotion
What can be sold for quick cash?
What can be sold for quick cash?

The 20 Best Things to Sell for Quick Money Right Now Jewelry and watches. ... Video game consoles. ... Old phones and accessories. ... Purses,...

Read More »
Last updated Jan 6, 2020