Audrey 
Have you ever considered what is beyond your walls? It’s most likely ductwork, which is complicated in itself. Your HVAC setup is more than simply a furnace in the basement or a condenser in the garden. There’s also a ventilation system that runs through your house, typically hidden in the back wall or ceiling. You may know your home’s air is expelled via vents, but you may not be mindful that those vents have various functions. There are supply and return vents in a typical house. There is a significant difference between the two and how they impact the air quality in your home.
How do these vents differ from each other? Is one vent more significant than the other? Read on to know everything about supply and return vents and their usage in your home.
Supply vent vs. return vent, what’s the difference?
1. Airflow:
Supply ducts, which push cooled air into your interior areas, are linked to supply vents. At the same time, return vents are linked to return ducts, which take air from the interior areas and send it to your HVAC system.
2. Location and size:
Supply vents are generally situated on the ceiling or high up on the walls of your residence. Whereas, Return vents are generally situated right at the bottom of your home’s walls, near the floor mat, although this depends on where your HVAC is located. In comparison to return vents, supply vents are usually smaller.
3. Working of vents:
By switching on the system fan and holding bits of paper or your palm in front of the supply vent, you may identify it. This is a supply outlet if the air is blown out, but if you sense a pulling effect, it is a return vent. If there is a problem with the air supply, you may change your air filters through return air grille service for your HVAC system.
How do the supply and return vents function?
It’s easy to believe that your thermostat and air conditioner merely circulate conditioned air around your house. But that’s just half of the tale; they’re doing a lot of other tasks too. Your home’s supply vents distribute conditioned air throughout your rooms. This air comes from your HVAC system, passes through your ductwork, and exits via the supply vents. The supply vents are easy to identify as they’re the only ones where you can notice conditioned air flowing in.
The air from your chambers is sucked into your return pipes and returned to your central heating system via the return ducts. You will not notice air being blasted out of your return vents since they are usually bigger than supply vents.
What role does ductwork play in supply and return ventilation systems?
Your heating and conditioning system must maintain a reasonably balanced temperature inside your ductwork. This implies that the amount of air blown out by your ducts is equivalent to the amount drawn back into them.
An insufficient supply or return of outlets is one of the most common ducting design issues in houses. In either scenario, the pressure within your ducts will be out of whack, resulting in a less pleasant place. That’s why working with a competent contractor who can take accurate measurements of your home’s airflow requirements before implementing your ventilation system is critical.
How to get the most of your supply and exhaust vents?
Even if your house has the appropriate number of supply and return vents, there are a few steps to guarantee that they are functioning correctly. To begin, ensure that no furniture or other items are obstructing your supply and return vents. You can improve airflow and comfort in your house by cleaning your ducts.
Also, even if you don’t utilize specific rooms very frequently, don’t close the supply vents in any of them. Closing a vent raises the pressure within your ductwork, which may create the same issues that bad duct design does. A better way to save energy in places you don’t use very frequently is to utilize a zoning system to divide those rooms into different zones.
How to clean your supply and return vents?
Dust, grime, and other particles floating in the air accumulate in your air vents over time. They become filthy quickly, and unclean air vents may have a detrimental effect on your indoor air quality. Here’s a quick way to clean your vents:
1. Take out the vents:
Some vents may be readily removed, while others need the use of a tool. Remove the vents and place them on the ground.
2. Vacuum the ducts:
Because your ducts are likely to be filthy, use the hose from your vacuum and run it through them. Remove as much filth as possible from the ducting. Don’t vacuum too far into the ducts. Only the first few inches in and around the vent is enough for cleaning.
3. Clean out your vents:
Use a duster to remove any remaining dust or debris from your vents.
4. Make a batch of soapy water:
Warm up some water and add some dish soap to it. Make sure there’s a lot of lather in the water; this will let you know whether it’s been adequately soaped. Allow up to 15 minutes for your vents to soak. The actual cleaning takes place here. Soak your ducts for 10 to 15 minutes in a tub or basin.
5. Replace your vents after drying them with a cloth:
This step is relatively easy because you have to put the grill back on the vent. However, if your vent is on the ceiling, you might need additional help. It’s okay if your vents are still a bit damp; it won’t affect your HVAC system. However, please do your best to make them as clean as possible.
Restart your HVAC system after changing your air filter, and you’re all set.
In conclusion
The differences mentioned above will help you understand and identify your supply and return vents. Make sure to clean the ducts whenever you feel there is a need. If you think your HVAC system needs intensive cleaning, hire an expert cleaning service. Your air system will work for some more years if you take proper care of it.
