Heat registers cover the holes where ductwork enters a room and regulate airflow with adjustable slats. They come in different materials and shapes for different entry points. Proper maintenance is necessary for optimal function.
Many heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems consist of ductwork that runs between the furnace and individual rooms in a home. Heat registers are grilles that cover the hole in the wall or floor where the duct enters the room. Louvers, or dampers, are often attached to the back of a heat register. These adjustable slats can open or close the register grille to customize the airflow. Heat registers can be both a functional and decorative part of any room and come in many different materials including brass, cast iron and wood.
A forced air heating and conditioning system uses the furnace to send heated or cooled air through the ducts and into the home. A fan pushes air through ducts that run through walls and under floors and ceilings, carrying it throughout the house. The heat registers at the end of the ducts have a dual purpose: to cover and protect the duct from falling objects and to regulate the airflow with slats or dampers. Heat registers are known by several names including vents, vent covers and air registers.
Heat logs come in a variety of sizes, shapes and types. Duct work can enter a room on the floor, wall, or baseboards. These different entry points naturally require different types of vents. Air registers on the wall are commonly screwed or nailed into place, and those on the floor simply use gravity to hold them above the vent. Wall and floor vents tend to be flat and flush with the fitted area, while baseboard heat registers are usually triangular in shape with the grille on the front.
The design of a heat log can range from very plain and simple to ornate and intricate. Some of the more delicate designs can be found in Victorian-style homes, where heat logs can mimic the rolls, swirls and patterns of a stained glass window. On the opposite end of the spectrum, simple, inexpensive grilles are available with a regular line or grid pattern. Custom made vent covers are available for people who can’t find a mass-produced heat register that fits their needs.
For a heat log to work properly, care must be taken to make sure it has plenty of room. An air register should not be blocked by furniture or curtains. Dust or dirt can build up on the vent and impede airflow. For this reason, routine heat log maintenance, including any necessary dusting or vacuuming, should be part of your regular cleaning schedule.
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