Best Locations for Air Conditioning Vents

If you’re in the process of having a new home built, then you’ve probably already realized that there are a lot of decisions you need to make along the way. One of the less exciting (but still important!) decisions you’ll need to make is where to place HVAC vents throughout your new home.

Believe it or not, the placement of vents in your home can make a huge difference when it comes to the efficiency of your HVAC system. By being aware of the benefits of installing intake and output registers in certain spaces of your home, you can make more confident decisions about your build.

Vent placement impacts how comfortable different spaces of your home will be and also how you can furnish and decorate each space. Make sure you’re getting the most out of your air conditioner in Fort Worth, so you can enjoy your new home as much as possible!

Air Ducts Near the Ceiling Are Most Effective

One of the most important things to be aware of when deciding on vent placement in your new home is that typically, air ducts placed near or within the ceiling are the most effective option in terms of energy efficiency. Many people don’t realize this because it is common to see air vents located near the floor in older homes.

With vents near the floor, however, furniture often ends up blocking vents and causing the air to get trapped. This makes the air circulation less effective and may cause the entire HVAC system to work harder than it needs to. Additionally, vents placed near the floor are at a greater risk of being clogged with dust or other debris. This can further restrict airflow and may even create a situation where mold and mildew growth can occur.

When vents are placed near the ceiling, air is able to more freely circulate throughout the room. Furniture is also less likely to obstruct the flow of air. This allows your home’s heating and cooling system to make each space more comfortable while improving your energy efficiency along the way. And because dust and debris will naturally fall to the ground, these vents are less likely to become clogged.

Consider Your Lifestyle When Thinking About Vent Placement

When deciding where to place vents throughout your new home, you’ll also want to think about your lifestyle needs. Of course, you want your home’s vents to be located in areas where they will be the most useful, as this will help to keep these spaces as comfortable as possible.

This is especially important when you consider that not all HVAC units can easily support having air blown into every room of the house at once. When this is the case, prioritizing the spaces that you will be using the most can help keep you and your loved ones comfy and cozy all year-round.

For example, if you know that you’ll be spending a lot of time in your home office, then you may want to make sure that some additional ventilation is placed in this room. Likewise, if you know where your bed will be placed inside a master bedroom, you may also wish to place vents near the bed for added comfort.

On the other hand, you’ll also want to think about and plan for obstructions that could block the flow of air. If you know you’ll be installing large shelves or adding other bulky furniture in an area of the home, you may want to opt for a ceiling-mounted vent as opposed to a wall-mounted option. In general, it’s also best to keep air vents away from door openings to avoid blockages caused by partially opened doors.

Place Ducts Based on Your Home’s Layout

Depending on the exact layout of your home, some areas may also be open to more air circulation and thus reduce the need for a lot of vents. This is most often seen in homes with very open floor plans where the kitchen, dining, and living rooms are essentially one shared space. In spaces like this, it may be best to strategically place air vents in between these areas even though the space itself is open.

In addition, you can keep the air circulating freely by installing and using ceiling fans. Ceiling fans can also be a great way to cut down on energy costs, especially in larger spaces and those with vaulted ceilings.

Find the Right Place for Your Vents

As you can see, there is a lot of planning that goes into deciding the proper placement of vents in a new build. If the process of choosing the right locations for air vents in your new home seems overwhelming, it may be time to consult an HVAC professional.

Comfort Masters Heating & Air Conditioning is a heating and air conditioning company in Fort Worth serving the surrounding communities for over 25 years! We have the experience and knowledge needed to optimize your new home’s HVAC system with the strategic placement of intake and return vents. Contact us today to find out more or to schedule your consultation!