Most people would tell you, no, you cannot put furniture in front of an air return vent. … For example, you can’t place a couch or chair or any piece of furniture that has a back into it in front of a return air vent because it will block all airflow into the return air vent.
Keeping this in view, is it OK to block air vents with furniture?
The short answer to this question is “No.” Vents are there to provide for a necessary free flow of air. Block that flow, and your home will run sub-optimally, and you could even cause damage to your HVAC system.
Also, what happens if you cover a return vent?
Blocking air return vents causes your system to work harder, as there is less air flow to move the air back to the furnace. This continued strain on the HVAC system can lead to a decrease in performance and more HVAC repairs down the road.
How much clearance is needed in front of a cold air return?
All your air vents need at least six inches of clearance from all furniture, drapes or other household items to ensure proper system breathing.
How do I cover my vents?
Hiding the Vent. Place a piece of open furniture in front of the wall vent. Find a tall piece of furniture with an open, free-flowing design that allows air to drift through and around the space. Look for a table, chair, cabinet, or hutch that can maintain airflow without creating a blockage.
Does closing air vents help cool other rooms?
Closing air vents in one area of the home does not help other rooms receive better airflow. Instead, conditioned air is lost through duct leaks and the other areas of your home do not receive additional heating or cooling. Cold rooms in a warm house act like a heat sink.
Can I put a couch over a cold air return?
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.
Is it bad to put your bed over a vent?
The straight answer is “No” – you cannot position a bed over a vent. Vents are located in the right places to permit the flow of cold air from the HVAC system into the room. Therefore, installing a bed right above a vent blocks the airflow and may cause your HVAC system to malfunction among other issues.
Should I close vents in unused rooms?
Closing vents in unused rooms saves energy from entering the room, but it also pushes the excess air to other places in your home. … The added pressure from closing a vent can cause air leaks in your system, causing long-term and unnecessary energy waste.
Should you keep doors in unused rooms?
Contrary to popular belief, closing your bedroom doors does not improve the efficiency of your HVAC system and may actually increase your utility bills. When you close a bedroom door, you effectively block the air’s pathway, and that blockage can lead to issues with airflow.
Should I close my downstairs vents in summer?
You can safely close your basement air vents in the summer, yes. You’ll want to do so intermittently, though, instead of leaving them closed for several weeks at a time. If you consistently want to keep your vents closed, be sure to rotate which vents you shut at least every two days.
