Cooled or heated air flows through the ducts to your vents, which control the amount of air entering every room in your house. Therefore, vents are crucial to the proper functioning of your HVAC system. Read on to learn more about how different vent types can affect your HVAC system.
The Importance of Free Area to Airflow
Sufficient and unimpeded airflow is a cornerstone of the efficient operation of your HVAC system. HVAC professionals use the term free area to refer to the area of registers or grilles that allow for unobstructed airflow. Air can’t flow through certain areas of a vent cover, such as the border. Thus, such parts reduce the cover’s free area. The ideal free area for a vent is 75%.
Metal vs. Plastic vs. Wood Vent Types
The louvers on wooden grilles and registers tend to be quite thick, especially if they’re intended for floor use. The extra thickness significantly reduces the free area. As a result, the free area of wooden vents is typically 45% to 50%. Some models have an even smaller free area.
Plastic vent types also tend to come with thick louvers, to give them extra strength. On the contrary, most metal registers and grilles have a free area that’s around 75%.
If you’re planning to replace standard vent types, it’s best to avoid going for models that are more restrictive to airflow, even if they match your home’s decor better. Such models will lead to airflow reduction, which can affect your HVAC equipment and home comfort.
You could replace your standard vent covers with the same type you currently have. Alternatively, to avoid airflow issues without sacrificing style, you could go for less-restrictive models that have sleek finishes such as chrome or bronze, or those you can paint to fit your home’s look better. For more information on vent types and HVAC energy efficiency, contact Ace Hardware Home Services. Since 1978, we’ve provided the highest-quality HVAC products and services to Dayton-area residents, helping them keep their homes comfortable and energy-efficient.
