Supply & Return
What’s the difference?
SUPPLY or RETURN Vent?
While Return Vents are similar to supply vents, there are some major differences, such as filters, style, and size.
Supply Vents
…supply hot or cold air into your room or space.
Sometimes these Supply Vents will be fitted with a damper that has movable plates to close the air from entering a room.
Return Vents
…pull old air from your room or area and returns it to the HVAC unit.
It is then re-heated or cooled. The blower then supplies the newly heated/cooled air back to the living area. Return Vents and ductwork return the old air to the heating or AC unit.
Size:
All sizes go by at least Duct opening or Filter size, sometimes you need to specify Overall size.
Style:
Unlike supply vents that typically try to divert air into different areas of the room by changing the angle of the louvers, air return is only concerned with returning the air, so air flow direction doesn’t matter.
Filters:
Many HVAC systems have air filter assemblies attached to the return vent instead of near the air handler.
We offer filter assemblies as an option on our return vents. This will include the Frame, Hinge & Clasp Assembly to make changing your air filter easier, as well as the Filter Brackets to hold you filter in place.
For vents with filter assemblies, we recommend the louvered style as the louvers can be designed to overlap each other to hide the duct opening or filter from most view points. For example, if your vent is located on the high wall, you may want the louvers to angle up towards the ceiling to obscure direct view into the duct opening.
Louver orientation should be that the louvers are parallel with the first dimension you list on your order form.
VENT FACTOID
In new homes, return vents are typically larger than supply vents, as it helps “gather” the old air from the living area. Your system can only blow out so much “new” air, so a larger opening for a supply vent would reduce how hard the air blows out.
For Custom Upgrades We Have:
(Which must request a custom quote to buy)
Deeper Louvers Options:
If you want a deeper louver (for more depth, a larger louver and for more air flow as the louvers overlap each other so we can space them further apart for air flow requirements) using 5/4 Maple, Red Oak, White Oak, Ash
Current Standard Sizes Offered:
- 2 x 10″, 2 x 12″, 2 x 14″
- 4 x 10″, 4 x 12″, 4 x 14″
- 6 x 6″, 6 x 8″, 6 x 10″, 6 x 12″, 6 x 14″
- 8 x 10″, 8 x 12″, 8 x 14″
- 10 x 10″
- 12 x 12″
- 14 x 14″
- 16 x 16″
For Any Other Size Not Listed in Standard Sizes, Request a Quote Today!
5/4 Depth:
Plantation or Shutter Style Dado Louvers up to 3″ Deep
This custom upgrade adds up to 3″ depth, appearing like a Plantation Shutter type louver. These can be spaced even further apart for greater air flow.
For Any Other Size Not Listed in Standard Sizes, Request a Quote Today!
A few examples of our different design options for your next Wood Vent purchase!
Supply Vent Damper Option
What is a Vent Damper?
A vent damper is an attachment below the vent cover that regulates air flow. This is invaluable to controlling air flow and air balancing, but can sometimes not be a good solution for your particular situation.
Should I add a Damper to my Vent?
Most professionals do not want dampers for wooden vents. Wood is much thicker than your typical metal vents and in most situations when using a wood vent, a damper is not needed. However, there are times when some may need to close the air off on a floor level to force the cool or hot air to another floor, etc. If this is your situation you will probably want a damper.
Benefits of a Damper
- air balancing– assist in making warm rooms cooler, and cool rooms warmer relative to the rest of the home
- close-off rooms– close air flow to guest rooms or seldom used rooms
- balance 2 story homes– hot air rises and cold air sinks. Seasonal adjustment of dampers can help a multi-level home
- save energy– In some HVAC systems, a savings in energy can be realized
Drawbacks of a Damper
- Leaks created in the ductwork and duct taping
- Creation of uncomfortable rooms with open dampers (they might now get too much heat or cooling)
- Wear and tear on compressor and heat exchanger (its trying to send air and the vents are all closed)
- Frozen evaporator coil in AC
- Humidity and mold in rooms with closed dampers (due to no air flow)
- Increased energy bills (systems overcompensating for uneven air flow)
Questions to ask before deciding
- What is my budget?
- Is my building an open design or divided into individual rooms?
- Is the inside building temperature even throughout the entire building?
- Do I have any rooms I seldom use?
Our Damper Construction
- Floor Dampers: Our dampers for floors are black powder-coated painted on all sides and are “Opposed Blade Dampers” and not plastic or metal sliders.
- Wall Ceiling Dampers: These dampers are metal or aluminum colored and have a small 3/8″ access point to actuate the blades. Sometimes, we can position the actuator in the spacing or square in order that you do not have a hole or slot to open and close the damper.
Need A Consultant?
We are ready to assist and guide you!
Send us a photo if you like of your vent location and duct opening/cutout size and if in a restricted fit your overall size allowance. We will guide you throught the best option for your specific situation.