How to Identify Return and Supply Vents Easily

You’ll want to turn on the HVAC system that way you have air blowing through your vents. This ensures you’ll be able to properly identify the types of vents you have. 

You can find air vents along the baseboards, on your walls, or on the ceiling. You might need a step stool or ladder to access vents on the ceiling or wall. Just make sure the ladder or step stool is level on the floor before climbing it. Even better, have a friend or family member spot you as you test your vents.

Once you find the air vent, take the piece of paper or tissue and place it six inches in front of the air vent. If the vent tries to blow the paper into the room, you’ve found your supply vent. Meanwhile, if the vent appears to try to suck your piece of paper in, you’ve found a return air vent. 

Why Isn’t Air Blowing Into or Out of My Air Vents?

When you encounter an air vent that doesn’t try to pull in air or blow it out, there could be a problem with your HVAC system. Here are some of the most common issues homeowners have:

Dirty Ductwork

Dirty ductwork can impede airflow through particle buildup. Once every three to five years, have your air ducts cleaned. The average air duct cleaning costs around $40, but the size of your home, condition of your ductwork, and types of ductwork all play a role in the total price. 

Unbalanced Ductwork

At least once a year, you should do a DIY duct leakage test. Do this by finding the duct joints, where two come together then run your hand around checking for air leaks. You can also notice an imbalance if parts of your home are warmer than others, signifying there might be improper airflow in your home. 

Have your local duct installer take a look at the system if it’s imbalanced. If your ducts are older than 15 years, then you might have to replace them. At that time, your technician can help you determine the most efficient ductwork for your home and help you discover creative ways to hide ductwork. 

Blocked Vents

You might have the compulsion to close vents in rooms you’re not using to avoid heating or cooling them unnecessarily. However, closing vents in unused rooms creates a temperature and humidity imbalance in the air, putting more work on your home’s HVAC system. In turn, you can experience stuffy rooms, higher energy bills, and your air conditioner kicking on more. Therefore, when you go to see what kind of vents you have in each room, make sure they all stay open too.