Why Doesn't My House Have HVAC Return Vents?

Your teeth chatter as you bury yourself under a pile of blankets, desperately trying to get warm. Why is it so darn cold in your bedroom anyway? Or maybe you're drenched in sweat despite wearing a tank top and shorts while the rest of your family shivers in their hoodies.

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If you can relate to either of these temperature woes, you may live in a house with no return air vents. Keep scrolling and discover how an HVAC return affects your home.

Do All Houses Have Return Vents?

Modern houses typically have HVAC return vents, which can be surprising if you're used to living in a house with no return air vents. Some homes have return vents in every room, while others have a couple of shared hot and cold air return vents for the entire home.

Many people confuse supply vents and return vents, but there's an easy way to tell the difference between the two. When you're ready, hold a piece of paper in front of each vent and watch what happens. Supply vents fill your rooms with heat or air, so a sheet of paper will float or blow away. Return vents draw air out of a room and send it back to the HVAC system, so your paper will get pulled toward the vent.

Are Return Air Vents Necessary?

You may be worried about indoor air quality and temperature regulation if you live in a house with no return air vents. An AC return vent or furnace return vent may be unnecessary if you have a small home, such as a studio apartment. Larger homes may need an HVAC return vent so air gets distributed evenly through the home.

Here are some reasons to consider HVAC return vents in your home:

• Improved air quality.

  Old air gets pulled out of rooms and redistributed through the home via your HVAC system.

• Optimized energy efficiency.

  Return vents help encourage proper airflow and temperature regulation, which can lower utility costs.

• Increased HVAC system lifespan.

  Blocked or nonexistent return vents can shorten the lifespan of your HVAC system.

Consult with a professional to determine the proper return vent size for your home if you're thinking about upgrading your HVAC system. You may also want to consider adding return ducts to your home. Return ducts help promote proper air circulation and balance.

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What Happens If You Have a House With No Return Air Vents?

You may not notice many problems if you have a house with no return air vents. Several factors play a role, including the size of your home and how often you run the HVAC system. However, there are several potential drawbacks you may notice, such as temperature regulation issues that cause high energy costs.

Running the HVAC system without return air vents can also impact air pressure in your home, especially in rooms with closed doors. When you don't have the correct supply vents and return vents, your HVAC system must work harder. Because of this, you may need to replace your HVAC system sooner than expected due to excess wear and tear. Consider adding AC return vents and furnace return vents if you live in a home with no return air vents.