has anyone ever dealt with those old houses where the returns are just tiny grates in the floor? I always question if they’re even doing anything or just collecting dust...
Those old floor returns crack me up. I had a duplex from the 40s with those little grates—looked like something out of a museum. Half the time, they were so clogged with pet hair and who-knows-what that I doubt any air was moving at all. Cleaned them out once and found a toy car wedged in there. Honestly, sometimes I think they’re more for nostalgia than actual airflow.
Honestly, I’ve wondered the same thing about those tiny returns. I pulled one up in my last place and it was basically a lint trap. If you’re getting uneven temps, it might be worth checking if the ductwork’s even connected under there—sometimes they’re just dead space. Ever tried blocking off some vents to balance things out? Not perfect, but it helped me a bit.
If you’re getting uneven temps, it might be worth checking if the ductwork’s even connected under there—sometimes they’re just dead space.
That’s spot on. I’ve seen more than a few “returns” that were just boxes with no actual duct attached—basically cosmetic. Blocking off vents can help a little, but it’s really just a band-aid if the system’s not balanced right. If you’re comfortable poking around, check for disconnected or crushed ducts. Sometimes it’s something simple, but other times you find a mess of old workarounds. Don’t get discouraged—these issues are way more common than people think.
Honestly, I feel your pain—been there, done that, sweated through the living room while freezing in the bedroom. Sometimes it really is as simple as a duct that’s come loose or got squished behind some old insulation. If you’re poking around under the house and find a “return” that’s just an empty box, don’t feel bad. Whoever built my place must’ve thought air could teleport. You’re not alone in this—most houses have at least one weird HVAC surprise hiding somewhere.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve seen a lot of folks jump straight to blaming the ducts when it’s actually a thermostat placement issue or even just bad airflow from furniture blocking vents. Ever tried moving stuff around before crawling under the house? Sometimes it’s not the system, it’s just how the air moves—or doesn’t—once it gets inside. Not saying ductwork can’t be a mess, but sometimes the fix is way less dramatic than folks expect.
