I recently bought a home, and the inspector pointed out that my HVAC system could benefit from additional return vents for better efficiency. The house is about 1650 sq ft with only one return vent located in the ceiling at the back of the house. He recommended adding one for each bedroom and two in the living room. Since I live in South Texas, where it's super hot, I want to know if this will actually help. The AC system is also the original from 2003, so I'm a bit concerned about its condition. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
It’s definitely a good idea to have a supply and a return in each bedroom. This setup ensures proper air circulation, especially when doors are closed. It keeps the rooms comfortable and helps the system run better.
Having more returns is especially crucial in hotter climates like Texas. It helps the AC perform better. That said, it might be tricky to install, so definitely get a qualified HVAC tech to assess whether the changes will actually boost efficiency!
Some folks just cut the bottom of their doors instead of adding more returns, but that can look a bit odd and isn’t the best solution. Jumper ducts are another way to help with airflow without major renovations. However, if you can add returns, it's usually the better option!
I'd prefer installing a grill in the door over cutting it shorter anytime.
Haha, I say the same thing to my wife every night when she wants to shut the door!