How to Close Return Vents to Cool Upstairs

Return vents do just that -- return air to the furnace so it can be re-circulated throughout the house. Air is drawn in through return vents and taken to the furnace, where it is heated or cooled and then pumped through the home. Sometimes, too much cool air is sucked up by return vents on the ground floor, leaving the upstairs uncomfortably warm. Closing these return vents will create greater suction upstairs, which will draw out more of the warm air and allow more of the cool air to flow into the space. If you can't close your existing vent covers, consider installing louvered grill covers.

Measuring tape
Louvered grill covers
Ladder
Screwdriver
Plastic bag
Vacuum

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the existing grill cover, and record the measurements. Purchase louvered grill covers in those measurements.
- 2
  Place one hand in the center of the vent, and unscrew the screws with your other hand, letting them fall to the floor. Catch the vent with your hand as you unscrew the last screw to prevent it from hitting you on the head, if it's on the ceiling.
- 3
  Place the cover carefully into a plastic bag, and set it aside to clean later. This will prevent dust from getting everywhere.
- 4
  Vacuum dust and debris out of the return intake hole. This will help improve air flow and should be done on a regular basis, regardless of if you are changing the grills.
- 5
  Screw in the louvered grills. Turn the dial or move the lever to close the grills. Open them in the winter when you want the upstairs to warm up again.

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