1 Answer. Show activity on this post. Combustion air intake which is necessary on an insulated and sealed buiding. Otherwise negative pressure prevents combustion gasses from going up the stack.
Do I need a vent in my utility room?
Any new kitchen, bathroom (or shower room), utility room or toilet should be provided with a means of extract ventilation to reduce condensation and remove smells.
Is a fresh air intake necessary?
They are designed to draw air from the outdoors. That said, you will still benefit from installing a fresh air intake as these intakes improve indoor air quality and also wick excess moisture. Bottom line: Fresh air intakes are an absolute necessity for any home that has a furnace.
Does my furnace need outside air?
Since high efficiency furnaces draw air directly from outside, the furnace itself does not require a fresh air intake in order to replace inside air that otherwise would have been drawn from the room the furnace is located in.
Does cold air return need outside air?
A penetration to an outside wall is obviously needed and when there is a call for heat or cold, the damper will open and fresh air will correspondingly be drawn into the cold air return of the furnace.
Why is there an air vent outside my house?
These vents allow outside air to circulate under the floor in summer to prevent the moisture buildup that encourages mildew and rot. In winter, when the air is drier, the vents are closed to reduce the chance that the pipes in the crawl space might freeze.
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.
How do you turn off outside air intake?
To turn off fresh air, simply slide the dampers cover over the opening. Avoid using random materials like clothes, rags, or curtains to block the damper, as this might cause damage to the system. Opening your damper is essential for the proper functioning of your AC.
How many air returns does a house have?
Your Home Might Not Have Enough Return Vents
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.
What is a fresh air return?
Fresh air returns improve air quality
That way your air conditioning system not only equalizes the pressure with “cleaner air,” but eliminates infiltration problems; the return air is filtered, conditioned and then distributed throughout the house.
Is it OK to cover a return air vent?
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.
What is the purpose of an air return?
Maintaining Air Pressure
As conditioned air is pushed in, the air already in the home needs a place to escape. Return air vents serve this purpose by helping to pull in the air and putting it back into the system. This is what maintains proper air pressure in a home.
What are air returns used for?
The return registers draw stale air into the ductwork, where it’s pulled through the filter to capture dust and debris and then delivered back to the HVAC equipment for reconditioning. However, the most important function of the cold air return registers is ensuring ample airflow through the HVAC system.
What happens if you block a cold air return?
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.
Where does the cold air return go?
When warm air is delivered to a room, the existing cold air in that room is pushed into the cold air returns. Once inside your cold air returns, that air travels through your ductwork back to your furnace where it is filtered, heated and sent back to warm your home.
