Why do I have two air returns?

Having two air return vents allows you to seasonally control which air is returning to the HVAC system. The theory is that in the Summer cooling season, you want to be circulating warmer air back through the HVAC system to be cooled.

Where should AC returns be placed?

They must be correctly placed and unobstructed —Return ducts are usually placed in hallways, under stairwells, or in larger open areas of your home. This placement ensures that they will be able to pull in enough air to take back to the HVAC equipment.

How many return vents should a house have?

Having a number of return vents (preferably one in every room, but also 2 or three is far better than just one) creates regular air pressure. If you have one return vent, your house is great. Maintain the doors to every room open so air can properly flow.

How do you reduce the noise in return air?

Here are some ways you can reduce noise from return air:

1. Open the Vents.
2. Clean the Filters and Air Ducts.
3. Resolve Ductwork-Related Issues.
4. Get the Right Vents and Grills.
5. Have It Checked by a Professional.
6. Soundproof Your Return Air Vents.

Should every room have a return vent?

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. Likewise, you can also install these in rooms that have a high footfall or usage in the house.

How many returns should my AC have?

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.

What is a central air return?

Your Return Vents Are Responsible for Air Pressure When your HVAC system blows air into your home, that changes the air pressure inside. The excess air needs somewhere to go, and that spot is the return vent.

How can I make my central air quieter?

Here are a few ways you can quiet your central air conditioner:

1. Purchase a compressor blanket. Ask your HVAC technician to install a compressor blanket.
2. Plant bushes or shrubs. A bush or shrub is an attractive way to block the noise from your condenser.
3. Erect a fence.

Why is my return air so loud?

Since the air return sucks air, they are prone to getting clogged, especially if your home is particularly dusty. When vents or ducts are clogged with dust and debris, the result is reduced airflow which can cause annoying noises. Believe it or not, where the vent is placed can really have an impact on how noisy it is.

Do I need a central air return in every room?

You pick up the basket and dump out the sand. Having one central air return dirties up your house in much the same way. Except you can’t pick your house up, turn it upside down, and shake out the yuck. In an ideal HVAC design, your home would have an air return in every bedroom.

Where should the return air vent be located in a house?

Supply air from furnaces and air conditioners should be on outside walls. The return air vent openings need to be on the opposite side of the room so the conditioned air is pulled across the room. If the supply ducts are in the floor, then the return air should be located up high.

How do you add ventilation to a room with a return?

If the return is located on the other side of a bedroom wall or you’re able to add ductwork, you should go this route. Install a transfer grille. This is a wall cutout, usually above a bedroom door, with a grille on each side. It opens an air pathway from the room, allowing more air to reach the central return.

How does a return air conditioner work?

This return air opening pulls hot air from the top of the room. The heavier cold air which is flowing from the supply duct is pulled across the room and up towards the return duct. On its way to the return duct, the conditioned air cools you and the rest of the objects in the room.