“Covering up or blocking return air vents, where the system draws in the air, inside the home is another common problem we see. These things can be like asking your system to work harder while ...

Return air vents suck in air and then filter and redistribute it to your entire home through the supply air vents, so vacuuming is an extra protection from unwanted dust, dander and hair. 6.

When working correctly, the air conditioner pulls warm air through return air vents in rooms throughout the house. Coils in the evaporator unit are filled with a refrigerant and absorb heat.

If your return air vents aren’t getting air from the rooms with air supply vents, the HVAC system will pull smoky air into your house to make up the difference.

This is most important for older homes with a centrally located return vent. Your HVAC system likes balance — it pushes air into rooms and pulls air back into the air handler.

A hole disguised as an air vent is actually a trap for grenade throwers. (Screenshot via Instagram) Editor’s note: This article was first published on Aug. 31, 2022.

Mark Marston slides a MERV 13 air filter into the HVAC system outside Basics Fitness Center in Portland, Maine, on July 21. The gym bought these filters and made other changes to its ventilation ...