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During the holiday season, it's common to see homeowners setting up decorations like Christmas trees, festive wall hangings, and welcoming wreaths. It's a tradition that adds a special touch of warmth and coziness to our homes. Still, sometimes, in the midst of all the merriment, we might unintentionally block a vent or two while making room for that beautifully adorned Christmas tree.

While we all love to embrace the season's spirit, it's crucial to be mindful of how our holiday decorations affect our home's heating system and energy bills. Even if it's just for a short while, an air return that’s blocked by a Christmas tree can lead to high energy bills and an uncomfortable home.

What Is a Cold Air Return Vent?

An air return vent is a part of your home's HVAC system. Unlike smaller heat registers, return vents are larger and don't blow out air. They work by taking in cool room air, which is then reheated by the furnace to keep your home comfortable. They help maintain a consistent indoor temperature without you feeling air blowing from them.

Why Return Air Vents Should Not Be Blocked

When installing a new HVAC system, technicians will carefully analyze factors such as your home's airflow, specific needs, insulation, window layout, and more. They consider metrics like CFM (cubic feet per minute), which measures how much air your furnace and ductwork can heat and circulate within a minute.

It's a meticulous process that factors in the size of ductwork, furnace capacity, the number of return air vents, and other critical variables to ensure your home remains comfortable and efficient throughout the year.

Airflow problems are responsible for 40 percent of all heating and air conditioning system failures. Cutting off your home’s airflow can make your HVAC system very inefficient. If you are blocking cold air return vents in winter, it means your furnace has to work harder. This added pressure can cause your heating system to break down more frequently and increase your monthly energy bills.

How Do You Keep Your Air Vents Working Properly?

To ensure your HVAC system runs smoothly, it's crucial to start by checking your air return vents for any blockages. Once you've confirmed they're clear, it's time to remove the vent cover and clean the grille.

Air return vents attract dust and debris. Regularly cleaning them is vital to maintaining efficient airflow. Dust and particles can accumulate on the grille, hindering the system's performance. Cleaning it will ensure that your HVAC system can draw in the right amount of air without any obstructions.

By keeping your air return vents unblocked and clean, you're taking a significant step in enhancing your HVAC system's overall performance. It ensures that it functions optimally, effectively circulating air and maintaining a comfortable environment in your home.

What Happens If a Return Vent Is Blocked?

Blocking an air return vent might not seem like a big deal, but it can have significant consequences for your home's heating and cooling system. When you obstruct an air return vent, you essentially limit the flow of air in your home. This restriction forces your HVAC system to labor more strenuously because there's less air for it to circulate back to the furnace for reheating or cooling.

If you need a professional to take a look at your heating or ventilation system, turn to our technicians at Home Comfort Experts. Our goal is to ensure that your family is comfortable and cozy during the holiday season, and to save you as much money as possible.

Contact us today at our main office at (574) 498-7017 and let us know how we can help.