A good home air-distribution system must have a balanced airflow. In order to balance an even flow of incoming air, outgoing air must have roughly the same flow. This is accomplished by duct returns. Return vents carry out hot air in summer and cold air in winter to be filtered and recycled.

Types of duct returns

The most common types of return vents are large grilles in the floor or in a wall of the home. These grilles are usually located in a central area of the home. There may be one or more, depending on the size of the structure. These types of duct returns are less costly to install and work well when there is free airflow from separate rooms; however, when a room's door is closed and it doesn't have access to the return vent, the room will often be colder or warmer than others.

The second type of duct returns are those located in individual rooms. When each room has its own return, keeping airflow balanced is much easier, as closed doors do not hamper the flow of returning air to the duct system.

To ensure the proper airflow through duct returns:

• Duct returns should accommodate the needs of two-story homes, as each floor must have at least one central return. It not, hot air can pool up in the upper floor and air quality can become stagnant. 
• To promote the free flow of air, duct returns should be unobstructed. If area rugs or tables cover floor grilles, or furnishing or other objects block wall returns, the flow of outgoing air will be restricted.
• Another problem may be the size of the duct returns. If they are not large enough, or they are too small, indoor air will be unbalanced.

Without good duct returns, your home can experience hot or cold rooms, poor air filtration, poor circulation and higher energy costs.

If you suspect return air problems in your home, contact JonLe Heating & Cooling. We can look at your returns and suggest options that will lower your energy bills and increase your comfort. Call us when you have home comfort questions; we're always happy to help.

Floor register image via Shutterstock.