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What are Air Registers?
An air register is a device used to transfer air in or out of a room. The registers serve as part of the building's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, and can generally be found in any occupied room within the building. As the furnace or air conditioner heats or cools air, a blower directs this air into a series of supplies ducts. A air register sits at the end of each of these supply ducts, and serves as a transition between the duct and the room. A second set of air registers sits at the head of each return duct, which directs exhaust air from each room back to the unit.
Depending on the design of the room and the configuration of the HVAC system, an air register may be installed in the ceiling, floor, or wall. Some fit within soffits or bulkheads near the ceiling, while others are designed for baseboard installation. In many structures, installers place air registers just below the windows in order to minimize condensation and maximize comfort for occupants. The placement of an air register can also be influenced by local building codes or existing construction conditions.
Each air register features some form of vents or openings so air can pass through. The size and configuration of these openings determines air flow speed and volume. Older air registers consisted of flat metal panels with holes stamped into the face. Modern versions generally contain directional vents that can be adjusted to redirect air flow as needed. They may also include angled fins or blades so that air flows into the room at an angle, rather than in an uncontrolled manner.
Manufacturers produce air registers from a variety of materials, including metal and thermoplastics. Installers often select registers that match the surrounding room where they will be installed. Some can be painted to match walls or ceilings, while others feature a polished or brushed metal finish. When choosing pre-finished models, buyers should look for finishes that match other hardware within the space.
The performance of an air register may be impaired by dirt and dust buildup over time. To keep the HVAC system operating as intended, homeowners must clean and maintain these registers often to remove dirt and debris. If an air register gets damaged or badly clogged, it's often easier to replace the unit instead of trying to repair it. Most standard air registers are relatively cheap, and require little effort to remove and install.
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![An air register.]()
By: Kevin PenhallowAn air register. -
![An air return duct is an important part of most air conditioning HVAC systems.]()
By: KelpfishAn air return duct is an important part of most air conditioning HVAC systems.
Discussion Comments
The air registers at work are place up high on the wall near the ceiling. They have a grid pattern with a lever for closing off the air flow.
I often get cold, because someone keeps the air conditioner running really cool all summer long. Since I am short, I have to get a stool to stand on to close off the air register.
After awhile, someone usually notices that it is shut and reopens it. However, I get at least a few hours of comfortable time. I always bring a sweater, because the air flow is pretty intense through the big air register, and when they reopen it, I get blasted with icy air.
I had a house custom built, so I got to choose my amenities. I found some decorative air registers online made of cast iron, and I told the builder that I wanted these installed.
They are a deep gray color. The cut-out design looks like a cross between flowers and snowflakes. It's much more attractive than the typical slatted air registers.
I like to add artistic elements to my home in any way possible. So, I was thrilled to find these gorgeous air registers and incorporate them into the design of my new house.
@cloudel – My home also has this type of air register. It's good for me in the wintertime, because I can easily shut the vent in my bedroom when the heat starts to dry out my sinuses. I find it easier to breathe when the vent is shut.
I leave it open during the day to get the room nice and warm. I don't shut it until I go to bed, and then I turn on the humidifier to moisten the air and my nose a little.
I do have to clean the air register fairly often. My nose is sensitive to dust and dirt, and I often find cobwebs full of this in the register. I just take a damp cloth and wipe out all the junk.
In every home I've ever lived in, the air registers have been the rectangular metal kind that go on the floor. They have vertical slats and horizontal panels underneath the slats.
A little half-wheel sits on the side, and it has notches in it that make it easy to turn. I use this to adjust the position of the horizontal panels.
I close them when I want to shut off the air flow completely. I open them to a vertical position to allow for maximum air flow, and I point them at different angles to get moderate flow. The wheel is a very convenient tool, and I can even use my foot to turn it when my hands are full or I don't feel like bending over.
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