Table of Contents
Why are some air vents on the floor?
Heated air is less dense than cold air. That’s why heat rises. Floor ducts are effective because they deliver heated air at floor level. Floor vents are typically used in homes where the furnace is in a basement or the ducts (the piping from the furnace) travel through an underground crawlspace.
Why do older homes have floor vents?
Air vents were plentiful in older homes before more complex heating systems and central air-conditioning were developed. These air ducts, located in the floor and in the walls, helped regulate environmental factors, keep the houses operational and keep the people in them healthy.
Why does my house have vents in the ceiling?
Because hot air rises, and cool air sinks, ceiling vents are the delivery system of choice for cooled air, particularly in hot, humid climates with a predisposition for cooling. In geographic locations where heating needs predominate, however, the story changes, putting floor vents in the spotlight.
Why is there a vent in my ceiling?
What are the vents on the bottom of my house?
Foundation vents play an important role as they allow outside air to circulate under the floor in summer to prevent the moisture buildup that encourages mildew and rot. In the winter, air tends to be a bit drier and the vents are closed to reduce the chance that the pipes in the crawl space might freeze.
Where should floor vents be placed?
Registers should be placed in the middle of the external wall (in the floor or low on the wall); if there are two external walls, both need registers in the middle. (If the room is tiny, one duct may work, even if there are two external walls.) Basic Rule No.
What are the advantages of a ceiling vent?
Superior delivery of cooled air. Because hot air rises, and cool air sinks, ceiling vents are the delivery system of choice for cooled air, particularly in hot, humid climates with a predisposition for cooling.
How do floor vents work in a house?
The heat then rises and continues to warm the rest of the room. Floor vents are typically used in homes where the furnace is in a basement or the ducts (the piping from the furnace) travel through an underground crawlspace. Heat must travel a shorter distance and enters the room more quickly and efficiently.
Should I replace my furnace floor vents with ceiling vents?
Unfortunately, several of these vents are rusting underground. My furnace guy tells me that here in Oklahoma floor vents are no longer allowed in new homes; they all use ceiling vents. He suggests that instead of repairing the current vents, when I replace the furnace I should have ceiling vents put in.
Where are the return air ducts in a house in Canada?
Because heating is far more important in Canada than air conditioning, we generally put the return air ducts on the floor of each story of the house.