In terms of sealing a return vent, it is sufficient that the drywall and studs are compressed to create a channel in the wall. No need to caulk the corners, unless there are gaps. No metal lining needed.
Does return air need to be insulated?
To prevent condensation and dripping, insulation is applied to ductwork. If the return air temperature is adversely affected by environments, the return air ducts need to be insulated. Exhaust air ducts do not need insulation.
How do you seal a return air cavity?
Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: I sealed with spray foam and then use the duct butter. On the thinner gaps even over the spray foam. And right there believe it or not there was a lot of gaps. There which that's the attic.
Should return vents be covered?
Avoid covering your cold air return vents with curtains, drapes or rugs. Always check your air filters and replace them when needed. Clogged air filters can also cause cold air return blockages.
Does return air duct need to be sealed?
Return systems should be “hard” ducted and sealed with mastic in order to be airtight. Building cavities should never be used as return ducts. Stud bays or cavities should not be used for returns.
Do cold air returns need to be airtight?
Return air ducts must be sealed and unobstructed — Sealing return air ducts is just as important as sealing supply ducts. Sealing all duct section connections with mastic, a specialized rubbery sealant, or with metal tape prevents air leaks.
How do you cover a return air vent?
Much like the louvered doors, louvered shutters can be used to hide a return air vent without obstructing airflow. These can be hung over the return vent like a picture would be or secured to the wall with hinges allowing you to open and close the shutters when it’s time to replace your return vent filters.
Can you cover air vents in the wall?
Hide an air vent in plain sight with a fresh coat of the same paint color you used on the walls. Voila! Say goodbye to those sad slats and replace them with a piece of framed, patterned mesh.
How much clearance does a cold air return need?
Vent Clearance
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 you install a return air vent in the wall?
- Step 1: Determine Where the Ducts Will Go. Locate where you want your return air ducts. …
- Step 2: Begin Adding Panning. Go into the basement and locate the holes. …
- Step 3: Enclose New Ductwork. …
- Step 4: Add New Air Return Duct to Furnace. …
- Step 5: Install New Air Filter. …
- Step 6: Install Return Air Register Covers.
Where should a return air vent be located?
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.
Can flexible duct be used for return air?
Flex duct is widely used for return air in commercial air conditioning systems. Flex duct is able to withstand a certain negative pressure of return air. When installed properly, a flex duct is a reliable and convenient ductwork solution.
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.
Why is cold air coming from my return?
A return vent is used to draw air from your home into the air ducts and send it to the furnace for heating. If the vents are blocked by an object, such as furniture, the furnace will not receive air. Your furnace will blow cold air if there is no air to heat and send back into your home.
Should you put filters in air returns?
In general, it is recommended to have an air filter in every return vent (as long as you choose the one of the right size and thickness). The filters will improve the air quality in your house and will protect the HVAC equipment from dust, pollen, pet dander, and hair.
