How to Identify Supply and Return Ducts

Your HVAC system has supply and return ducts that facilitate energy efficiency and comfort in your house. These vents also promote better air circulation in your room. But, how will you detect supply and return ducts?

Supply vs Return Ducts: The Key Characteristics

It’s essential to understand the major functions of both supply and return ducts. The former distributes conditioned air from your HVAC duct system into various spaces. But, the latter directs the indoor air to the HVAC unit for reconditioning. Thus, these features will help you identify the ducts easily.

How to Identify Supply and Return Ducts

A few factors will help you differentiate the ducts:

Differentiating the Ducts Visually

Supply ducts are connected to registers or vents that resemble small grates. They are also positioned close to the floor in your heating system. This position allows warm air to rise. You may also find them near the ceiling if there is a cooling system.

On the contrary, ceilings and walls are the common places for installing the return duct. You can cover it with a grille, which lacks adjustable louvers.

Functional Differences

The air expelled from your supply vents will make you feel cooler on summer days or warmer on winter days. But, the main function of return ducts is to keep the air cycle balanced. 

Also, a return duct will suck in any tissue held near the vent. If the tissue is blown away, it is a supply duct.

Supply and Return Vent Placement 

You should ensure seamless supply and return air duct installation for optimal HVAC performance. They maintain consistent temperature distribution and a reduced energy usage.

The proper placement of ducts is crucial for the best HVAC performance. The supply ducts are placed in:

• Living spaces and the most frequently used areas, like offices. 
• Ceiling and floor - For those living in cool climatic regions, ducts need to be installed on the floor. It lets warm air rise easily.
• However, in warm climates, you can install ducts on the ceiling to allow the cool air to move downward.

The return duct placement guide:

• Low return vents pull in cool air into your heating system. 
• On the contrary, high return vents pull warm air from the ceiling in your cooling unit.

Supply and Return Air Temperature Differences

The supply and return air have a temperature difference, which measures HVAC’s efficiency. The supply air in the cooling mode must be about 15 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than the indoor air returned. But, in the heating mode, the supply air needs to be warmer.

To measure the accurate temperature, use an HVAC thermometer at the vents. A deviation from the expected values indicates your HVAC system has an issue. For instance, improper duct insulation and a dirty filter may cause this problem. You should call an expert to repair your HVAC system.

Summary 

Return vent vs supply vent is a significant factor that you must not overlook. Proper placement of American wood vents ensures optimal performance of your HVAC system. It will also maintain comfortable indoor temperatures throughout the year.