Decorative Vent Covers: Can They Affect HVAC Performance?

There are two types of vents. Supply vents work to properly distribute conditioned air evenly throughout your home. They’re usually located on outer walls, ceilings, floors and under windows. You’ll know they’re supply vents because you’ll feel cold air flowing out of them. Return vents, on the other hand, control the flow of air in your living space and ensure the temperature remains consistent. Together, they help your HVAC system keep your home thermally comfortable and energy efficient. 

Air vents are important, and they need to be covered in some way. After all, you don’t want to leave gaping holes in your walls, floors and ceilings. Getting a decorative cover can take care of this issue and improve your room’s appearance. The only question is: Can these covers affect your HVAC system’s performance? A premier air conditioning repair expert, Superior Air, answers this question here.

The Short Answer: It Depends

Decorative vent covers come in a wide variety of styles, designs and colors. They offer a simple, effective way to make the air vents work with the room’s overall appearance. However, it’s understandable that some homeowners may hesitate to use them–what if they actually hamper the way conditioned air is distributed throughout your living space? 

But you need not worry–as long as decorative vent covers are sized and secured correctly, they won’t negatively affect the HVAC system’s performance. You can count on Superior Air, the reliable air conditioning maintenance company in the area, to take care of this. We’ll take precise measurements of the “free area” (or the area of the vent that’s open to airflow) to ensure a proper fit for the cover.

What Decorative Vent Cover Should You Pick?

Most options are available in either wood, plastic or metal. If you plan to choose a wood or plastic cover, just note that they should be thick enough that if they’re placed over an  air vent on the floor, they’ll be able to handle the pressure of being stepped on. You won’t have to worry as much about this particular issue with decorative metal vent covers. If the vents are located on the walls or ceiling, you’re free to choose the option you most prefer.

Few HVAC companies can deliver the same exceptional air conditioning installation service as Superior Air. We’ve always been dedicated to providing the highest-quality results, which we make possible through superior workmanship and customer-centric services. Call us today at (559) 734-2002 or fill out this contact form to schedule your HVAC evaluation. We proudly serve Tulare, CA, and the surrounding areas.