Can an Air Return Vent Be Vertical?

Wall Vents

• Vertical air return vents are known as wall vents due to their placement on walls. They rely on the same thermodynamic principles as floor vents, which are the other major type of return vent. As warm air enters the room through inlet registers, it rises, causing the cooler air to sink. The cool air enters vents located on the walls near the baseboards, eventually flowing back to the furnace for reheating and recirculation. As long as they are placed low on the walls, vertical air return vents will function as well as floor vents.

Benefits

• In some cases vertical return vents offer important benefits over floor vents. For new vent installation, wall vents don't require you to damage your floor. Wall vents also don't need to be strong enough to support the weight of a person walking over them, which means they can be made of lighter materials that cost less. Vertical air return vents also eliminate the snags and scrapes that walking over floor vents with bare feet or socks on can cause.

Installation and Placement

• Installing vertical air return vents requires you to cut an opening in the drywall and place a duct within the wall, usually working from below. The vent cover simply screws into the wall, giving the opening a finished look and preventing small objects from falling into the vent. Wherever they're located, air return vents must be kept clear. This means that you can't place obtrusive furniture in front of a vertical air return vent. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, an efficient venting system can make a home's heating system function more efficiently and save money.

Wall Vents in Home Decor

• Like floor vents, wall vents can be part of a home's style and decor. Vent cover manufacturers offer a wide range of patterns and styles, including vent covers made from natural wood, brass and bronze. Vents can use simple, geometric patterns to fit within a modern home, or decorative ornamental mesh designs that complement more traditional furnishings. You also can paint vertical return vents to match a room's color scheme or blend into the wall.