How to Keep Cold Air from Coming Through Your Returns and Avoid Unwanted Drafts

Cold air coming from the return vents is creating an unpleasant draft.

Cold Air Coming From Returns Causing A Draft

Cold air coming from returns causing a draft can be a very uncomfortable experience. It is caused when cold air enters a house through the return ducts. This air is what is typically used to cool the home. The cold air will travel through the system and out of the vents, resulting in a current of cold air that can create an unpleasant chilly draft throughout the house. Fortunately, there are some simple solutions to this problem, such as ensuring return ducts are sealed properly to help prevent cold air from entering, or redirecting airflow from windows and doors with deflectors. In addition, proper insulation can help keep the cold air out and maintain an evenly heated temperature throughout the residence. Doing so will not only prevent drafts but it may even help homeowners save money on heating bills in the long run!

Common Causes of Cold Drafts

Cold drafts in homes can have many causes. One of the most common causes is air coming through return vents. Return vents are found in almost every home and provide a way for air to move from the home back to the heating or cooling system. If these vents are open, cold air can enter the home and cause a draft. Another common cause of drafts is open doors and windows. Even if they are closed, there may be gaps allowing cold air to enter the home.

Diagnosing a Draft Problem

The first step in diagnosing a draft problem is to check for temperature differences throughout your home. If you notice that some areas are colder than others, this could indicate that there is cold air coming from somewhere else in your house. You should also inspect your walls, floors, and ceilings for any signs of leakage or damage that could be allowing cold air into your home.

Professionally Identifying the Source of a Draft

If youre unable to identify the source of your draft on your own, its best to contact a professional who can conduct an air pressure test or thermography inspection. An air pressure test can help detect if there is an imbalance between the inside and outside of your house that could be causing drafts. A thermography inspection uses infrared imaging to detect temperatures in different parts of your house and can also help identify areas where cold air is entering your home.

Examining Return Vent Problems

If you think that return vents may be causing drafts in your home, there are several steps you can take. First, make sure all return vents are properly sealed so no cold air can enter through them. Additionally, check that all vent filters are clean so they dont become clogged with dust or debris which could further restrict airflow and cause drafts.

Improving Home Insulation

Improving insulation around doors and windows is another way to reduce drafts in your home by preventing cold air from entering through these areas. Caulking cracks around doors and windows will help seal any gaps where cold air may be entering your house. Additionally, adding blow-in insulation or foam sealant around door frames and window frames will help keep out any additional drafts caused by these openings.

Cold Air Coming From Returns Causing A Draft

When cold air is coming from returns, it can cause a draft to move through the entire home. In order to address this issue, there are several steps that should be taken to identify and correct the source of the draft.

Checking Hot Air Supply Vents

The first step in addressing a draft caused by cold air coming from returns is to ensure adequate airflow through supply vents. This can be done by monitoring hot air supply challenges and ensuring that all vents are open and unobstructed. If any vents appear to be blocked or constricted, they should be cleared and checked for proper functioning. Additionally, any filters in these vents should be changed or cleaned regularly to maintain proper air flow throughout the home.

Investigating Outdoor Sources of Drafts

Another potential source of drafts can come from outdoor openings in the home’s exterior walls or doors. To prevent cold air from entering through these openings, homeowners should inspect their home’s exterior for sources of drafts and seal any openings they find. This will help keep warm air in and cold air out while also reducing energy bills due to loss of heated air.

Identifying Damaged Ductwork as Source of Draft

In some cases, damaged ductwork may also be a source of drafts in the home. To prevent this, homeowners should check their ducts for any loose seams or joints that may need sealing. If any ducts appear to be damaged, they should be replaced immediately as this could cause long-term energy loss if left unchecked. Additionally, it is important for homeowners to regularly inspect their ducts for any signs of damage or wear-and-tear that could lead to a drafty home environment.

Evaluating Warm Air Supply Challenges Due To Furnace Blower

Finally, it is important for homeowners to evaluate warm air supply challenges due to a furnace blower that is not providing adequate airflow throughout the house. To do this, homeowners should test the output from their furnace blower and make adjustments if necessary in order to ensure an even distribution of warm air throughout all rooms in their home. This will help reduce any drafty conditions caused by insufficient heating in certain areas of the house while also helping keep energy costs down due to reduced energy usage when heating certain areas more efficiently than others.

FAQ & Answers

Q: What are common causes of cold drafts?
A: Common causes of cold drafts include return vents, open doors and windows, and inadequate insulation.

Q: How can I diagnose a draft problem in my home?
A: To diagnose a draft problem in your home, you should check for temperature differences and inspect for potential air leaks. Additionally, professional services such as air pressure tests and thermography inspections can be used to identify the source of the draft.

Q: How can I improve home insulation to prevent drafts?
A: To improve insulation in your home and prevent drafts, you should consider caulking gaps around doors and windows and adding blow-in insulation or foam sealant.

Q: What should I check if my hot air supply vents are causing a draft?
A: If your hot air supply vents are causing a draft, you should ensure adequate airflow through the supply vents by monitoring hot air supply challenges. Additionally, you should inspect the home exterior for outdoor sources of drafts and seal any outdoor openings to stop cold air from entering the home.

Q: How can I tell if damaged ductwork is causing a draft?
A: To identify if damaged ductwork is causing a draft, you should inspect all duct seams and joints for leaks and replace any damaged ductwork if needed. You should also evaluate warm air supply challenges due to furnace blower settings by testing output from the blower and making adjustments as necessary.

In conclusion, cold air coming from returns can cause a draft in a home or office. This draft is typically created when cold air is pulled in from outside, usually due to inadequate insulation or air leakage. To eliminate this draft, it is important to properly insulate the area around the return and seal any air leaks. Additionally, it may be necessary to upgrade the heating and cooling system or install a separate ventilation system to ensure that the temperature remains comfortable throughout the space.