2 Answers. Show activity on this post. I see no problem in doing that, as long as the return duct is sized big enough for the both rooms.

Do you need cold air return every room?

Does Every Room Need Air Return Grilles? 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. The most important place to have these would be the bedroom.

Is one cold air return enough?





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.

How many cold air returns do I need?

How many cold air returns do I need? Ideally you want a cold air return register in every major room in your home. This would not include bathrooms and closets, but bedrooms, living rooms, etc. Older homes might only have just one or two on each floor.

Can you 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. Always check your air filters and replace them when needed.

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. In older homes, this may not be an option. The theory is that in the Summer cooling season, you want to be circulating warmer air back through the HVAC system to be cooled.

What happens if there is not enough return air?





If there is not enough return air available, your HVAC system will not heat or cool properly. They must be properly sized — Return air ducts must be large enough to carry a sufficient amount of expended air back to your furnace, air conditioner, or heat pump.

Can I add another air return?

A second return duct can lower static pressure if the airflow bottleneck is on the return side. If the static is on the supply side, adding a second return will do nothing. So it’s usually a good idea. Get in touch with the trusted team at Greiner to learn the best way to install this in Your home.

How many returns should I have?

Your Home May Not Have Sufficient Return Vents
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 increase return air flow?

5 Ways to Improve Airflow in Your Home

  1. Check Vents and Registers. One of the simplest things you can do to increase airflow in your home is to check the vents and registers in each room. …
  2. Turn on Ceiling Fans. …
  3. Schedule HVAC Maintenance. …
  4. Consider Duct Cleaning. …
  5. Invest in a Ventilator.


Why are cold air returns near the ceiling?

In an air conditioning climate the return duct goes near the ceiling to draw off the hot air and cool it down. In a heating climate, the return duct goes near the floor to draw off the cold air and heat it up.

Where should the return vent be located?

Return air vents are generally located near the center of the homes. Older and newer homes often have one register per floor, but homes built from 1960-1990 may have a cold return air vent in each room.

Can you put something in front of a cold air return?



Home Inspection Insider explains that an air return vent needs 6-12 inches of space in front of it, and recommends that you do not put large, bulky furniture like couches and bookshelves in front of an air return vent.

Should cold air returns be high or low?

To ensure efficiency during the cooling season, your home should have high registers. High return registers draw hot air that rises to the ceiling back into the system to repeat the cooling cycle.

Should you cover cold air returns in winter?

In the same way that hot air rises, cold air stays lower. So when you’re trying to heat your home, your lower return vents should be open to collect the cold air and your upper return vents should be closed to keep the heat from escaping.

What will blocking a cold air return do?

In the heating cycle, blocked cold air returns can cause the heat exchanger inside the blower compartment to store too much heat and eventually crack. If the cracks are too large, the furnace can emit carbon monoxide into your home’s air.

Can a return air vent be in a closet?



Return air shall not be taken from a closet, bathroom, toilet room, kitchen, garage, mechanical room, boiler room, furnace room or unconditioned attic.

Should I put a filter on my cold air return?

It is generally recommended to have a filter in every return duct. Filters protect the HVAC equipment and capture plenty of particles that would otherwise end up in the air that you breathe.

Can I use flexible duct for cold air return?

Yes, you can use flex ducts for your return air. However, to maximize its usefulness, it needs to conform to technical specifications such as its insulation rating, pressure checks, dust filters, duct sizing and placement, and lastly, the installation requirements.

How big should return air duct be?

Generally, if you are using a Duct Sizing Chart or calculator (such as the Trane Ductulator), size the re- turn ducts for 0.05 inches/100 ft (0.40 Pa/m) based on the expected airflow through that return air duct. The total sum of air from all the returns should be at least 250 CFM/nominal ton (33 l/s per-kW).

Is metal duct better than flex duct?



Flex ducts are better for existing trunk-and-branch heating and cooling systems. This is because they’re more versatile and flexible. Metal ducts are more rigid due to the nature of steel, making them ideal to build an entire HVAC system.