'Understand How Sizing Return Grills: 'Will Save Your Air Conditioning System Life!

Welcome back, Air Conditioning Technicians! Today, we are diving into a crucial topic that can significantly impact the efficiency and longevity of your air conditioning system - the proper sizing of return grills.
Body:
Proper Cubic Inches of Free Grill Space Based on Tonnage of the System Design:
One key point to remember is that for every ton of your air conditioning system's design, you should have around 200 square inches of free grill space. This ensures that your system receives an adequate amount of return air to operate efficiently.
Importance of Not Oversizing Ductwork Going to Return:
It is crucial not to over size the ductwork going to the return as this can lead to a whistling noise. Properly sized ductwork ensures that the air flows smoothly without any disruptions.
Duct Design is Very Important:
Remember, duct design plays a significant role in the overall performance of your air conditioning system. Make sure that the ducts are sized correctly and free from any obstructions to ensure optimal airflow.
Pleated Filters Cause More Air Flow Restrictions:
While pleated filters are great for capturing more particles, they can also cause more air flow restrictions. Be mindful of the type of filters you are using and ensure they do not hinder your system's performance.
Conclusion:
By understanding and implementing the correct sizing of return grills, you can save your air conditioning system from unnecessary strain and potential issues. Remember the key points we discussed today and apply them in your HVAC projects to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.
Don't forget to stay tuned for more valuable insights and tips for Air Conditioning Technicians. Happy servicing!
Visual Suggestions: Incorporate animations demonstrating the proper sizing of return grills based on tonnage, the impact of different filter types on airflow, and examples of ductwork designs to emphasize the importance of correct sizing.
Thanks for Watching,
David

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[christophersikes]

Been doing this 15 years ...best explanation ive ever heard.

[markhstevenscms]

It's great that you've pointed out the problem that many customer's and even many contractor's don't seem to realize, . I was on a job recently that the return was so small that when the customer installed (pleated)1inch "High efficiency"filtersthey were pulled out of the R/A grill and up into the ductwork.
The question I have is when you talk about 200 sq.in per ton, Are you taking into account the free area or "K" factor, because each one of those louvers is a restriction, and if you were to slide them all to one side and add up the area they take up, it's significant, one third or better of the grill's area, which is why the manufacturer's have to calculate the amount of free area for each Supply and Return Grille and register

[bluecollarmillionairelife]

I hope you find this video helpful...thanks for watching from Jones Air Conditioning & Electric in Naples, FL!

[WMS]

Great video, just changed out my louvered door for full 6-panel door, & installed a 24x24 in the wall & 8x30 grill above the door to give 816 for my new 4-ton unit. My contractor tried to tell me that the 24x24 would be fine, but it was easy to add the grill above my new door. Looks much better. Sounds quite now Thanks!

[hollowsitha]

You have the best videos for learning the proper techniques for HVAC repair and troubleshooting. Thank you for sharing.

[npolite]

Thanks for the video. I've been having issues with my old system and not 1 person mentioned to me that the size of the return needs to be increased. I have a 24"x16" 384 sq.inches when I need 600 for my 3 ton unit. This is half my problem

[nathanbennett]

thanks i have a test over this on Thursday and my teachers are horrible at explaining that. u just taught me more than my teacher did all class period

[shadovs]

thank you man. i wish my contractors knew it when the did the job

[andym]

Thank you very much for a such valuable information. I have an open concept home and my living room is 16 feet tall. I have two ac units. One downstairs and one upstairs. If I need to add an extra return does it matter if it's at floor level or ceiling level?

Thank you.

[horrorbiz]

Great video! Easy to understand, quick and to the point. Thanks for posting!

[eddiehvac]

really like your video s.. appreciate the knowledge.. How would u size the proper flex return for that grill?

[Exploresea]

thanks for schooling us with this quick, easy to understand, fun to watch tutorial.  You're awesome.

[smacleod]

Or just use the formula for the cfm each grill will allow. width x length x 2 will also let you know how much cfm is allowed thru that grill.
Ex. 20x25x2= 1, 000 cfm which is good for a 2 or 2.5 ton a/c.

[gaylefriedman]

Excellent Tortola. I never had to replace an Air Conditioner Air Handler. Àlways a first!

[shaonrudra]

Thanks for this video, but need another help please tell me how to calculate supply air grill size to consider supply cfm?

[bekawzofhim]

I wanted to apologize about the Monkees and the pirate comment. I have been watching HVAC videos and started watching yours, good stuff, God bless.

[niyaandabhigupta]

Thanks for the great information. Could an AC start forming ice on the coils if it is starving for air? My 4 ton unit has 1 return duct register of 13x21.5 sq inches (280 sq inches) approx I've had the HVAC tech stop by and check for refrigerant leaks, or issues with the TXV and they all look good. He is recommending to add additional return air registers in the house to help with reducing the ice buildup.

[gk_filer]

What about converting to a 4 inch deep filter does that change the math...4x the filtration area or is the math just about the opening? Thanks

[bluecollarmillionairelife]

I hope it's a 2 million dollars a year. I will be here for support.

[michelledailey]

very good infomation, When you say generally 200 sq. in., could or would there be any reason for a change