return vents

HVAC intake grilles

Return vents are openings in a heating or cooling system that draw air back to the furnace or air conditioner for reconditioning.

While supply vents blow conditioned air into rooms, return vents pull room air back into the system, completing the circulation loop.

They're typically larger than supply vents and lack directional louvers: The return vent in the hallway needs a new filter.

Related
  • airGaseous envelope surrounding Earth
  • ductsEnclosed passage tubes
  • grilleProtective metal grating
  • HVACIndoor climate management
  • HVAC systemHeating, ventilation, air conditioning

central air · forced air · intake · exhaust · ceiling · drop ceiling · floor · airflow · register · cold · suction · filter · dust · cover · louver · metal · rectangular · basement

Opposites
HVAC airflow direction

return ventsdiffusers

Things that spread outward

floor registers

Family

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Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated G