You may not realize how big a role the ductwork plays in your HVAC system’s ability to maintain comfort, its overall energy efficiency and even how long the equipment lasts. The return air ducts are a critical component of the ductwork system, and this guide can help you understand their importance.
How the Return Ducts Function
The conditioned air produced by your heating and cooling equipment is distributed throughout your home via a network of supply ducts. The air is then drawn back into the system through the return ducts. It’s pulled through the system’s air filter to catch debris particles, and gets delivered back to the air conditioner or furnace. This cycle repeats whenever the thermostat signals for heating or cooling.
How Many Return Ducts do You Need?
In the past, HVAC systems often had supply ducts running to individual rooms, and just one centrally-located return duct serving each level of a home. Well-designed ductwork now incorporates an equal number of supply and return ducts, which promotes balanced airflow through the HVAC system and neutral pressure within the home’s structure. An insufficient number of return ducts can cause serious issues such as:
- A pressure imbalance that pulls allergens, pollutants and other contaminants into the home where they can degrade indoor air quality.
- A drop in the HVAC system’s efficiency and an increase in operating costs.
- Unnecessary strain on system components that can lead to costly breakdowns or premature failures.
Tips for Maintaining Airflow Through Your HVAC System
To maintain ample airflow through the system, the ductwork should be professionally sealed and insulated. You can take additional steps like dusting or vacuuming all the HVAC registers regularly, and checking the air filter on a monthly basis and replacing it when you see any debris accumulation. It’s also important to keep your supply registers open, and avoid blocking the return registers with furniture, long drapes or area rugs.
To learn more about the role the return air ducts play in a well-functioning HVAC system, contact us at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning. We proudly serve the Lorain, Elyria, and Oberlin areas.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 440-201-2959.
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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area