Return Vents Regulate the Air Pressure in Your Home
Most return vents are larger because you typically have fewer of them compared to regular air vents.
Regular air vents are responsible for bringing fresh air into the home, creating positive pressure by adding air into an open space. The air needs to go somewhere, either outside or back into the system. Return vents create a balance by pulling air in and creating negative pressure.
The balance is achieved when air is pushed out (positive) and air is pulled in (negative).
You May Not Have Enough Return Vents at Home
If you notice a musty smell, it may be due to improper air circulation, which could indicate that you have insufficient return vents. A whistling noise around your furnace or return vents can also suggest a lack of returns, causing the air handler to force air through system holes.
Older homes often have one large return near the furnace. Consider updating your system to improve efficiency. Ideally, installing a return vent in each room allows the system to recirculate air and pull contaminants from the entire house, improving system longevity and indoor air quality.
Return vents in each room also help reduce humidity, control odors, and prevent mold growth. They should be installed in the wall, as cold air tends to stay on the floor, while warm air rises from the top of the walls.
Can You Clean Your Return Vents Yourself?
While you can clean your return vents, dealing with your furnace can be dangerous. We recommend hiring a certified HVAC technician or a professional air duct cleaning company. To clean your return vents yourself, locate them by holding a piece of paper in front of each register to see if it gets pulled inward.
Remove the vent cover and clean it with a vacuum cleaner. Then, change the air filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ideally at least once a month.
For better results and to address allergies, consider calling a professional. Rodriguez Cleaning Service is your air duct cleaning company for Louisville, KY.
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