How big does a return air duct need to be?

In most cases, if you are installing ducts in each room where there is a supply, you will want to go with the same size as your supply vents. If you are installing just one or two return vents, you will want to go with a 12-inch return for 2-ton units and lower. 14- inches for 3 and up.

Should supply and return ducts be the same size?

Yes, return ducts are usually larger than supply ducts to ensure that air within the home is balanced. There are generally more supply vents in the system creating the need for return vents to be larger.

Can a return duct be too big?

Can an air return be too big? No, an air return cannot be too big, except in extreme cases where a closed room is temporarily under negative air pressure. Return vents maintain air pressure, filter out debris, and are critical to the efficient operation of any HVAC system.

How do I know my return air size?

To calculate return air grille size, take the CFM of the HVAC unit and divide it by 350 to get the grille area in square feet. Next, multiply the grille area by 144 to convert it into square inches. Finally, choose your preferred grille size that matches the required grille area.

What size return duct do I need for a 3 ton?

Electric heat pumps shall be tested in accordance with UL 559 or UL 1995. Example: 3.5 ton heat pump. The duct for this system must be sized by using 6 square inches of clear duct area for each 1000 BTU of cooling. Each ton of cooling contains 12,000 BTU.

What happens if there is not enough return air?

If there is not enough return air available, your HVAC system will not heat or cool properly. … If not enough air is brought back, your HVAC system will not be able to keep up with temperature demands. In some cases, two returns may be necessary to provide enough return air.

What size return do you need for a 5 ton unit?

x 25-in. Return grilles are the best choice for a five-ton system in order to deliver 2,000 cfm back to the blower without causing the return to hemorrhage.

What size ductwork do I need for a 5 ton unit?

Using this approach, two 20-in. x 25-in. return grilles will be the right choice for a five-ton HVAC system in order to actually deliver 2,000 cfm back to the blower without causing the return to hemorrhage.

How many returns do I need for a 4 ton unit?

(Example: 4 (ton unit) x 144 square inches = 576 squared. The square root of 576 is 24. Therefore, your return air duct and grill size will be 24 by 24 inches.)

How many vents should a 2.5 ton AC unit have?

For instance a 2.5 ton system (Approximately 400 CFM per ton) would require (2) 14” flexible return ducts or (1) very short flexible 18” duct to move the 1000 CFM required by the 2.5 ton system.

How many CFM is a ton of return?

The airflow is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). 350 to 400 CFM per ton of cooling is required for proper air conditioning system operation.

Why is 400 CFM a ton?

400 CFM per ton of air conditioning:

The higher CFM is required to remove the sensible heat from the environment. However, if you have an environment that has high humidity then 350 CFM per ton is better. At the lower CFM the coil is colder and the air spends more time on the coil and increases dehumidification.

What is the return duct?

Return air ducts balance airflow in your HVAC system — The primary role of return ducts is to bring air that has been warmed or cooled back to your furnace or air conditioner. This air is returned so that it can be heated or cooled again, filtered of particulates and contaminants, and redistributed inside your home.

What is the standard size of duct?

Rectangular or square ducting comes in standard sizes ranging from 3 inches by 7 inches to 35 inches by 40 inches. Sizing is based on airflow needs per cubic foot per minute, as well as velocity.

What size duct do I need for a 12×12 room?

A 12×12 foot room will need a 4×8 inch supply duct to get an adequate CFM rate, which is about 144 CFM.

Does a return vent need a duct?

If you live in a home that has rooms that are either too hot in hot weather or are cold in cold weather you could have a return-air duct issue. Return air ducts are necessary for just about every room.

How many return vents should a house have?

Having several return vents (ideally one in every room, but even two or three is better than just one) creates consistent air pressure. If you have one return vent, your home is fine. Keep the doors to each room open so air can properly circulate.

Should return air vents be high or low?

To ensure efficiency during the cooling season, your home should have high registers. High return registers draw hot air that rises to the ceiling back into the system to repeat the cooling cycle.