What Is A Cold Air Return?

Cold air returns may seem like a mundane aspect of home HVAC systems, but their role is complex and multidimensional.

A cold air return, also known as a return air vent or return air register, is a critical component of a home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. In simple terms, a cold air return allows air that has circulated throughout your home to be sucked back into the HVAC system where it can be filtered, conditioned, and recirculated. Proper airflow through cold air returns is essential for energy-efficient, comfortable temperature control in the home.

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What Exactly Are Cold Air Returns?

A cold air return is a vent, register or grille that allows air to be drawn from the house back into the HVAC system. It provides an entry point into the return ductwork that leads to the furnace or air conditioning unit.

Unlike supply vents that actively blow conditioned air into rooms, return vents passively pull air in. The suction pressure created by the HVAC blower fan is what causes air to be drawn through the return ducts and vents.

Return grilles are typically located on walls near the floor, since colder air naturally settles low within a room. However, they can also be installed on ceilings or floors depending on the home’s ductwork design.

The Vital Roles of Cold Air Returns

Though they lack moving parts, cold air returns perform several indispensable roles:

Returning Air to the HVAC System

The core purpose of a cold air return is recycling air back to the furnace or air handling unit. Without returns, air would enter the supply ducts but have no way to circle back. This one-way airflow would quickly pressurize the ductwork and potentially damage the system.

Proper air return allows for continuous, balanced circulation necessary for consistent heating and cooling.

Air Filtration

Most cold air returns have a removable filter behind the vent grille. As air gets sucked into the return, the filter captures dust, pollen, pet dander and other airborne contaminants.

This prevents dirty air from fouling the HVAC equipment and recirculating pollution into the home. Quality filtration is essential for clean, healthy indoor air.

Maintaining Efficiency

Returning air through a clear pathway enables the HVAC system to operate more efficiently. Blocked returns force the fan to work harder drawing air in, which leads to higher energy bills and potential system failures.

Unobstructed returns allow your HVAC system to maintain the ideal air volume and circulation it was designed for.

Air Pressure Regulation

As the HVAC system blows hot or cold air into a room, it pressurizes the space. Returns help stabilize this pressure by removing excess air added by the supply vents.

Balanced air pressure allows for proper airflow to all rooms, preventing pockets of stuffy or drafty air in your home.

Humidity Control

The evaporator coil in your HVAC system removes moisture from the air as a byproduct of cooling. Returns maximize this dehumidification by pulling stagnant humid air back to the unit.

This helps prevent mold/mildew growth and keeps your home feeling fresh.

Ideal Cold Air Return Locations

It’s essential that cold air returns are positioned in places that maximize efficient air circulation throughout the home. Consider these guidelines:

One Return Per Room

Installing individual returns in each bedroom, living area, and other occupied rooms allows air to be drawn evenly from all spaces. This prevents rooms without returns from being cut off from conditioned airflow.

Away From Supply Vents

Locating returns on the opposite side of a room from supply registers enhances air mixing. Air drawn straight into a return from a nearby vent cannot properly circulate through the space first.

Central Areas

Returns work best in hallways and other centrally located spots that easily pull air from multiple connected rooms. This minimizes the number of returns needed.

Lower on Walls

Since cold air naturally settles low in a room, mounting returns near the floor makes it easier to draw this air back in. Wall returns are typically 12-24 inches above the floor.

Avoid Obstructions

Leave adequate clearance around the vent opening so airflow isn’t blocked by furniture, drapes, etc. Anything obstructing a return will hinder its performance.

With these placement strategies, your home’s returns will work synergistically with the supply vents for ideal comfort and efficiency.

Signs of Insufficient Return Airflow

Certain problems can arise when return airflow becomes too restricted:

Poor temperature regulation – Some rooms get too hot/cold due to imbalanced air distribution.
Increased humidity – Stagnant moisture isn’t adequately removed from indoor air.
Higher energy bills – The HVAC system works harder to maintain comfort levels.
Excessive dust/debris – Airborne particles recirculate through dirty returns.
Noise from air ducts – Added airflow resistance creates whistling or rumbling sounds.

If you notice any of these issues, inspect your return vents for blockages. Even small obstructions can seriously hinder performance.

Maintaining Proper Return Airflow

You can optimize your home’s return airflow by:

Using return vent covers – Custom covers maintain airflow while hiding the vent.
Regularly changing filters – Clogged filters restrict airflow.
Vacuuming vents – Remove dust buildup inside and around vent openings.
Leaving doors open – Closed doors block air from reaching returns.
Avoiding ventilation imbalances – Adding supply vents without more returns pressurizes ductwork.
Having an HVAC professional evaluate your system – They can diagnose insufficient returns and duct leaks.

Cold Air Returns FAQs

Below are answers to some of the most common questions homeowners have about cold air returns:

Should you close return vents in unused rooms?

No, you should never purposely block return airflow. Closing vents throws off air balancing and strains your HVAC system.

How can you adjust a room’s airflow without closing returns?

Use dampers on supply vents to redirect more or less air into a space. Returns should always remain fully open.

Where should return filters be located?

Filters are typically installed behind grilles covering wall or ceiling return vents. This filters air before it enters the ductwork.

How often should you change return vent filters?

It depends on filter type, but every 1-3 months is recommended for optimal filtration without restricting airflow.

Can you clean return vent grilles?

Absolutely. Remove dust and debris by vacuuming or wiping vent covers. Avoid liquid cleaners that could be sucked into the ducts.

Should you keep furniture away from return vents?

Yes, maintain at least 8-12 inches of clearance so airflow isn’t obstructed. Covering returns transfers dust into the system.

Can return vents be added to improve inadequate airflow?

Possibly. An HVAC professional can evaluate your ductwork and determine if adding returns would be beneficial.

Conclusion

While easily overlooked, properly functioning cold air returns are imperative for a smoothly operating HVAC system. Returns balance air pressure in your ductwork, promote air circulation throughout the home, filter out contaminants and enable energy-efficient temperature and humidity control.

Strategically placed on walls and kept free of obstructions, your cold air returns will work 24/7 behind the scenes to maintain a healthy, comfortable indoor environment. Just be sure to change filters regularly and vacuum vents periodically.

If your HVAC system displays any symptoms of insufficient return airflow, have an HVAC technician inspect for blockages or duct leaks. With minor preventative maintenance, your cold air returns will continue pulling double duty for years – returning stale air for conditioning and saving you money on energy costs in the process!

What is a Cold Air Return?