Are return air vents necessary in every room?

Return air vents aren't required in every room, but proper placement is essential for system efficiency. According to industry standards, you'll need one return vent for every 100 to 150 square feet of living space. Ideally, each room would have its own return vent, especially larger rooms exceeding 100 square feet. Without adequate return airflow, your HVAC system works harder, energy costs increase, and comfort decreases. A professional assessment can determine the optimal number and placement of return vents for your specific home layout.

How can I tell if I need more return air vents?

Signs that your home needs additional return air vents include rooms that feel consistently stuffy, noticeable temperature variations between rooms, doors that slam shut when the HVAC system operates, or unexpectedly high energy bills. Excessive dust accumulation around supply vents can also indicate inadequate return airflow. If you experience these issues, consulting with an HVAC professional can help determine if adding return vents would improve your system's performance.

What is the difference between a return air vent and a supply vent?

Supply vents deliver conditioned air into your living spaces, while return air vents draw room air back to your HVAC system for reconditioning. Supply vents push treated air into rooms, while return vents pull air from rooms back toward your heating and cooling equipment. Both components are essential for proper air circulation and system balance. Without sufficient return capacity, your HVAC system may experience pressure imbalances that reduce efficiency and comfort.

How often should return air vents be cleaned?

You should inspect and clean your return air vents at least once annually, according to industry recommendations. However, homes with pets, allergy sufferers, or noticeable dust buildup may benefit from more frequent cleaning. Regular maintenance helps maintain good indoor air quality and ensures your HVAC system operates efficiently. Professional duct cleaning, which addresses the entire system beyond just the visible vents, is recommended every few years, depending on your home's specific conditions.

Top-Rated Ducts & Vents Installations and Replacements Experts in Lincoln, MA

Air Temperature Service, LLC

Air Temperature Service, LLC

Customers say: Terrific value

Recommended by 93% of Angi customers

44 years of experience

Serving the Worcester county area since 1981, Air Temperature Service, LLC, deals with all aspects of the HVAC business, including central air conditioning, duct systems, boiler and furnace install.

"In preparation for a remodeling job, I needed ductwork raised in my basement. Minutes after HomeAdvisor called me to see if I needed another bid on my project, Jay called to say he was nearby and asked if he could he come over. He was there in 10 minutes, gave me a bid that was far below the two I had previously received, had a crew over in less than an hour, and finished the work before mid-afternoon. He and his crew were polite, competent, and efficient. I would not hesitate to use them again."

Brent L on November 2016

Serving the Worcester county area since 1981, Air Temperature Service, LLC, deals with all aspects of the HVAC business, including central air conditioning, duct systems, boiler and furnace install.

"In preparation for a remodeling job, I needed ductwork raised in my basement. Minutes after HomeAdvisor called me to see if I needed another bid on my project, Jay called to say he was nearby and asked if he could he come over. He was there in 10 minutes, gave me a bid that was far below the two I had previously received, had a crew over in less than an hour, and finished the work before mid-afternoon. He and his crew were polite, competent, and efficient. I would not hesitate to use them again."

Brent L on November 2016

Total Comfort Mechanical Inc

4 Garfield Cir

4.93(

223

)

•Approved Pro

Total Comfort Mechanical Inc

4 Garfield Cir

4.93(

223

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: True professional

Recommended by 98% of Angi customers

Recommended by 98% of HomeAdvisor customers

209 local quotes requested

At Total Comfort Mechanical we offer expert, full service Heating, Air Conditioning, & HVAC, Installation, Indoor Air Quality, Preventive maintenance, emergency repair, repairs & more. Most Brands carried, including: Bryant, American Standard, Goodman, Mitsubishi, Weil McLain, Burnham, Aprilaire, Bradford White & Olsen

"Five Star Service! Total Comfort Mechanical planned, designed, and installed a Mitsubishi Intelli-Heat system at our home in Melrose. They seamlessly combined our existing gas furnace and ducted system with an efficient Mitsubishi heat pump to create a hybrid heating and AC system. The team exceeded our expectations. They are honest, respectful, and always maintained a positive and professional attitude. They did everything they said they would do and even went above and beyond. The technicians are skilled and dedicated, often working long hours to ensure the job was done right. We were impressed by their commitment to keeping our work sites clean at the end of each day. The planning was meticulous, the communication was excellent, and the final delivery exceeded our expectations. We can confidently recommend Total Comfort Mechanical for any heating and air conditioning projects. Thank you, Wendell and team, for making our home more comfortable and efficient!"

FRITZ B on March 2025

At Total Comfort Mechanical we offer expert, full service Heating, Air Conditioning, & HVAC, Installation, Indoor Air Quality, Preventive maintenance, emergency repair, repairs & more. Most Brands carried, including: Bryant, American Standard, Goodman, Mitsubishi, Weil McLain, Burnham, Aprilaire, Bradford White & Olsen

"Five Star Service! Total Comfort Mechanical planned, designed, and installed a Mitsubishi Intelli-Heat system at our home in Melrose. They seamlessly combined our existing gas furnace and ducted system with an efficient Mitsubishi heat pump to create a hybrid heating and AC system. The team exceeded our expectations. They are honest, respectful, and always maintained a positive and professional attitude. They did everything they said they would do and even went above and beyond. The technicians are skilled and dedicated, often working long hours to ensure the job was done right. We were impressed by their commitment to keeping our work sites clean at the end of each day. The planning was meticulous, the communication was excellent, and the final delivery exceeded our expectations. We can confidently recommend Total Comfort Mechanical for any heating and air conditioning projects. Thank you, Wendell and team, for making our home more comfortable and efficient!"

FRITZ B on March 2025

Green Flow Solution Inc

123 River St

5.00(

7

)

•Approved Pro

Green Flow Solution Inc

123 River St

5.00(

7

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Recommended by 100% of HomeAdvisor customers

5 years of experience

We are your trusted partner for all HVAC and heating needs across the Greater Boston area and throughout Massachusetts. With years of expertise, we specialize in delivering top-quality heating, ventilation, and air conditioning solutions designed to keep your home or business comfortable in every season. Whether you need installation, repair, or maintenance, our skilled technicians are equipped to handle it all with care and precision. Customer satisfaction is at the heart of everything we do. We’re committed to providing exceptional service, clear communication, and efficient solutions tailored to meet your unique needs. Our team stays up-to-date with the latest industry advancements, ensuring your systems perform at their best, improving indoor air quality, and helping you save on energy costs. Serving communities across Boston, Newton, Wellesley, Cambridge, Quincy, Waltham, and beyond, we stand out by offering innovative and personalized solutions. From energy-efficient systems to smart HVAC technology and eco-friendly heating options, we deliver customized systems that align with your requirements and budget. With a focus on reliability and quality, we’re here to ensure your comfort and peace of mind. Reach out today to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment!

"Everything went well. The folks from Green Flow Solution were quick, competent and professional."

Thabiti B on April 2025

We are your trusted partner for all HVAC and heating needs across the Greater Boston area and throughout Massachusetts. With years of expertise, we specialize in delivering top-quality heating, ventilation, and air conditioning solutions designed to keep your home or business comfortable in every season. Whether you need installation, repair, or maintenance, our skilled technicians are equipped to handle it all with care and precision. Customer satisfaction is at the heart of everything we do. We’re committed to providing exceptional service, clear communication, and efficient solutions tailored to meet your unique needs. Our team stays up-to-date with the latest industry advancements, ensuring your systems perform at their best, improving indoor air quality, and helping you save on energy costs. Serving communities across Boston, Newton, Wellesley, Cambridge, Quincy, Waltham, and beyond, we stand out by offering innovative and personalized solutions. From energy-efficient systems to smart HVAC technology and eco-friendly heating options, we deliver customized systems that align with your requirements and budget. With a focus on reliability and quality, we’re here to ensure your comfort and peace of mind. Reach out today to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment!

"Everything went well. The folks from Green Flow Solution were quick, competent and professional."

Thabiti B on April 2025

Genove Oil & Air Co

53 Williams St

4.74(

206

)

•Approved Pro

Genove Oil & Air Co

53 Williams St

4.74(

206

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Super punctual

Recommended by 93% of Angi customers

Recommended by 93% of HomeAdvisor customers

661 local quotes requested

Genove Oil & Air provides Bioheat & oil delivery as well as residential and commercial installation/service for oil & gas heating units, water heaters, heat pumps, central A/C and ductless HVAC systems. As a complete energy company, we offer our customers modern energy efficient heating and cooling options. We take pride in what we do, making excellent customer service our top priority! Based in Waltham, serving Eastern Massachusetts, Metrowest, and Greater Boston since 1977.

"I would not hire these guys again"

Ali A on November 2024

Genove Oil & Air provides Bioheat & oil delivery as well as residential and commercial installation/service for oil & gas heating units, water heaters, heat pumps, central A/C and ductless HVAC systems. As a complete energy company, we offer our customers modern energy efficient heating and cooling options. We take pride in what we do, making excellent customer service our top priority! Based in Waltham, serving Eastern Massachusetts, Metrowest, and Greater Boston since 1977.

"I would not hire these guys again"

Ali A on November 2024

Unique Indoor Comfort Heating & Cooling

77 Alexander Rd

4.49(

49

)

•Approved Pro

Unique Indoor Comfort Heating & Cooling

77 Alexander Rd

4.49(

49

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Super punctual

1182 local quotes requested

58 years of experience

Unique Indoor Comfort, an Ace Hardware Company is a family owned and operated business with over 30 years in the HVAC industry. Providing residential heating and air conditioning maintenance, repair and installation of furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, ductless and high velocity AC. We are experts at providing air conditioning solutions for older homes, oil/gas to heat pump conversions, and are Mass Save certified heat pump contractors. We’ve built a reputation for superior quality, through years of putting the customer first and getting the job done right the first time. As local residents, our family and expertly trained team of technicians think of our customers as neighbors; our goal is to maintain our reputation as a quality organization, continuing to offer superior heating and cooling services in the Boston area and ensuring that you can be proud of our work and products for years to come.

"Diagnosis and repair were straightforward and the talented Mike, who has done other great work for us on our ACs, had a replacement pump in his truck. Swapped over in under an hour. Cost of the repair was quite high, mainly due to very high price they charged for the pump. A Taco pump that I could buy for $175 was priced on this repair at more than $500. I get that it was an urgent situation and I’m happy to pay reasonably for the response but that mark-up bothered me. I called the office, had a long talk with the owner; sadly, she offered no consideration at all. Yes, it’s hard to find and keep skilled techs, but now seems that most HVAC firms have a business model like a car dealer’s service dept, far more corporate, less flexible or customer-considerate."

Mark S on January 2021

Unique Indoor Comfort, an Ace Hardware Company is a family owned and operated business with over 30 years in the HVAC industry. Providing residential heating and air conditioning maintenance, repair and installation of furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, ductless and high velocity AC. We are experts at providing air conditioning solutions for older homes, oil/gas to heat pump conversions, and are Mass Save certified heat pump contractors. We’ve built a reputation for superior quality, through years of putting the customer first and getting the job done right the first time. As local residents, our family and expertly trained team of technicians think of our customers as neighbors; our goal is to maintain our reputation as a quality organization, continuing to offer superior heating and cooling services in the Boston area and ensuring that you can be proud of our work and products for years to come.

"Diagnosis and repair were straightforward and the talented Mike, who has done other great work for us on our ACs, had a replacement pump in his truck. Swapped over in under an hour. Cost of the repair was quite high, mainly due to very high price they charged for the pump. A Taco pump that I could buy for $175 was priced on this repair at more than $500. I get that it was an urgent situation and I’m happy to pay reasonably for the response but that mark-up bothered me. I called the office, had a long talk with the owner; sadly, she offered no consideration at all. Yes, it’s hard to find and keep skilled techs, but now seems that most HVAC firms have a business model like a car dealer’s service dept, far more corporate, less flexible or customer-considerate."

Mark S on January 2021

Nicholson Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning Inc

71 Whitney Street

4.54(

560

)

•Approved Pro

Nicholson Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning Inc

71 Whitney Street

4.54(

560

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Super punctual

530 local quotes requested

25 years of experience

Nicholson Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning is the company of choice for all your plumbing, heating and air conditioning repair and replacement needs. Our commitment is to you, our customer, and to provide you with outstanding plumbing and HVAC service. You can rest assured with our 100% satisfaction guarantee, 24-hour emergency service, solid warranty and highly trained technicians. Serving the Metro West, MA's service and installation needs. Fully Licensed in MA Plumbing and Gas Fitting. Lic# 30207. Universal EPA Certified & 410A Certified. Fully Insured. Nicholson Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning offers a 5% senior discount on service repairs.

"Went very well and got more information than with other companies."

Susan H on April 2025

Nicholson Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning is the company of choice for all your plumbing, heating and air conditioning repair and replacement needs. Our commitment is to you, our customer, and to provide you with outstanding plumbing and HVAC service. You can rest assured with our 100% satisfaction guarantee, 24-hour emergency service, solid warranty and highly trained technicians. Serving the Metro West, MA's service and installation needs. Fully Licensed in MA Plumbing and Gas Fitting. Lic# 30207. Universal EPA Certified & 410A Certified. Fully Insured. Nicholson Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning offers a 5% senior discount on service repairs.

"Went very well and got more information than with other companies."

Susan H on April 2025

Rodenhiser Home Services

325 Hopping Brook Rd

4.39(

506

)

•Approved Pro

Rodenhiser Home Services

325 Hopping Brook Rd

4.39(

506

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Super punctual

2884 local quotes requested

97 years of experience

When it comes to great service for your home or business, it doesn't get better than the professionalism and dedication of Rodenhiser. It's an unsurpassed level of service built on a promise that ensures you get the very best - when you call Rodenhiser your satisfaction is guaranteed. With 90+ years of delighted residential and commercial clients, you can be sure that it's a promise that Rodenhiser delivers on every day.

"The work was done correctly and promptly, but quite expensive. On the plus side, he presented all the options and didn't really try to upsell. Just the facts."

stephen m on August 2024

When it comes to great service for your home or business, it doesn't get better than the professionalism and dedication of Rodenhiser. It's an unsurpassed level of service built on a promise that ensures you get the very best - when you call Rodenhiser your satisfaction is guaranteed. With 90+ years of delighted residential and commercial clients, you can be sure that it's a promise that Rodenhiser delivers on every day.

"The work was done correctly and promptly, but quite expensive. On the plus side, he presented all the options and didn't really try to upsell. Just the facts."

stephen m on August 2024

Village Home Services

9 Kidder Road

5.00(

13

)

•Approved Pro

Village Home Services

9 Kidder Road

5.00(

13

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Recommended by 100% of HomeAdvisor customers

1376 local quotes requested

Village Home Services formally known as Village Electric and Village HVAC. We stand at the intersection of expertise and community spirit. With our plumbing, electrical, and HVAC services, we go beyond fixing problems; we enrich lives, one home at a time. In our village, your comfort and safety are our top priorities.

"Addressed quickly and professionally"

Mary W on October 2025

Village Home Services formally known as Village Electric and Village HVAC. We stand at the intersection of expertise and community spirit. With our plumbing, electrical, and HVAC services, we go beyond fixing problems; we enrich lives, one home at a time. In our village, your comfort and safety are our top priorities.

"Addressed quickly and professionally"

Mary W on October 2025

Airco Home Comfort Services LLC

15 Main St

4.70(

30

)

•Approved Pro

Airco Home Comfort Services LLC

15 Main St

4.70(

30

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 90% of Angi customers

Recommended by 90% of HomeAdvisor customers

1341 local quotes requested

Specializing in all HVAC/R services to include Geothermal Heating and Cooling. Ground Source Heat Pump services. Additional service area: Chelmsford-Haverhill, Boxford-Gloucester, Manchester-Nashua & Portions Of Downtown. No interest Financing available and all major credit cards accepted. Additional DBA - Airco Heating & Cooling. Additional email - info@aircohome.net. Master Sheet Metal License: 1325 and Master Plumber License: 11593

"Joe, the AirCo sales representative, was very professional. He actually asked for my feedback on priorities for a new boiler. This was important to me because the boiler sits below our family room, and the noise level of the boiler was as issue. His proposals listed several boiler options, based on heating efficiency, which were competitively priced. The installation was run by Steve, who was able to fit in the installation the next week. Steve, and his crews, were punctual and courteous, and the installation went smoothly. It's only been a week, but I am very pleased with my Bosch boiler, the quality of the work, the price paid, and the timeliness of the installation."

David B on November 2018

Specializing in all HVAC/R services to include Geothermal Heating and Cooling. Ground Source Heat Pump services. Additional service area: Chelmsford-Haverhill, Boxford-Gloucester, Manchester-Nashua & Portions Of Downtown. No interest Financing available and all major credit cards accepted. Additional DBA - Airco Heating & Cooling. Additional email - info@aircohome.net. Master Sheet Metal License: 1325 and Master Plumber License: 11593

"Joe, the AirCo sales representative, was very professional. He actually asked for my feedback on priorities for a new boiler. This was important to me because the boiler sits below our family room, and the noise level of the boiler was as issue. His proposals listed several boiler options, based on heating efficiency, which were competitively priced. The installation was run by Steve, who was able to fit in the installation the next week. Steve, and his crews, were punctual and courteous, and the installation went smoothly. It's only been a week, but I am very pleased with my Bosch boiler, the quality of the work, the price paid, and the timeliness of the installation."

David B on November 2018

128 Plumbing Heating Cooling & Electric

78 Foundry St

4.06(

120

)

•Approved Pro

128 Plumbing Heating Cooling & Electric

78 Foundry St

4.06(

120

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Super punctual

2380 local quotes requested

33 years of experience

For over 30 years, 128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric has provided the highest quality, efficiency and reliability to customers. Celebrating thousands of five-star reviews online and an A+ Rating on BBB for years, the company has become the North Shore’s most trusted and consistent plumber, heating and air conditioning, and electrical service company. The company takes pride in the title as a Diamond Elite Contractor with Mitsubishi Electric and being selected into the National Grid VPI Program. Finally, a company that picks up the phone every time with manufacturer-trained technicians and a commitment to providing customers with an easy, effortless customer service experience. You're guaranteed to be left with the service and price you were quoted with customized options for what's best for your home in the long-term. 128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric specializes in Installation, Service, and Repair for Boilers, Furnaces, Air Conditioners and HVAC Systems, Tankless Water Heaters, Ductless Mini-Splits and Plumbing. Worried about the cost of your next project? We have options to help you get your repairs on the way! Unfortunately, emergencies don’t wait until you have all of your financial ducts in a row.

"Election did an excellent job installing a new ac outlet for new dishwasher Definitely use again"

Bruce R on July 2025

For over 30 years, 128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric has provided the highest quality, efficiency and reliability to customers. Celebrating thousands of five-star reviews online and an A+ Rating on BBB for years, the company has become the North Shore’s most trusted and consistent plumber, heating and air conditioning, and electrical service company. The company takes pride in the title as a Diamond Elite Contractor with Mitsubishi Electric and being selected into the National Grid VPI Program. Finally, a company that picks up the phone every time with manufacturer-trained technicians and a commitment to providing customers with an easy, effortless customer service experience. You're guaranteed to be left with the service and price you were quoted with customized options for what's best for your home in the long-term. 128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric specializes in Installation, Service, and Repair for Boilers, Furnaces, Air Conditioners and HVAC Systems, Tankless Water Heaters, Ductless Mini-Splits and Plumbing. Worried about the cost of your next project? We have options to help you get your repairs on the way! Unfortunately, emergencies don’t wait until you have all of your financial ducts in a row.

"Election did an excellent job installing a new ac outlet for new dishwasher Definitely use again"

Bruce R on July 2025

Get matched with top ducts & vents installers and replacers in Lincoln, MA

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 3 pros

Matching on HomeAdvisor

Find Ducts & vents installers and replacers in Lincoln

Air Temperature Service, LLC

Air Temperature Service, LLC

Total Comfort Mechanical Inc

Total Comfort Mechanical Inc

Green Flow Solution Inc

Green Flow Solution Inc

Genove Oil & Air Co

Genove Oil & Air Co

Unique Indoor Comfort Heating & Cooling

Unique Indoor Comfort Heating & Cooling

Nicholson Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning Inc

Nicholson Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning Inc

Rodenhiser Home Services

Rodenhiser Home Services

Village Home Services

Village Home Services

Airco Home Comfort Services LLC

Airco Home Comfort Services LLC

128 Plumbing Heating Cooling & Electric

128 Plumbing Heating Cooling & Electric

The Lincoln, MA homeowners’ guide to ducts & vents installations and replacements

Solar Panel Prices

Install Solar Panels n Virginia

Install Solar Panels in Pennsylvania

Install Solar Panels in Texas

Install Solare Panels in Florida

Install Solar Panels in Arizona

Get our Angi-powered app

Get matched with top ducts & vents installers and replacers in Lincoln, MA

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 3 pros

Matching on HomeAdvisor

Find Ducts & vents installers and replacers in Lincoln

Air Temperature Service, LLC

Air Temperature Service, LLC

Total Comfort Mechanical Inc

Total Comfort Mechanical Inc

Green Flow Solution Inc

Green Flow Solution Inc

Genove Oil & Air Co

Genove Oil & Air Co

Unique Indoor Comfort Heating & Cooling

Unique Indoor Comfort Heating & Cooling

Nicholson Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning Inc

Nicholson Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning Inc

Rodenhiser Home Services

Rodenhiser Home Services

Village Home Services

Village Home Services

Airco Home Comfort Services LLC

Airco Home Comfort Services LLC

128 Plumbing Heating Cooling & Electric

128 Plumbing Heating Cooling & Electric

The Lincoln, MA homeowners’ guide to ducts & vents installations and replacements

Solar Panel Prices

Install Solar Panels n Virginia

Install Solar Panels in Pennsylvania

Install Solar Panels in Texas

Install Solare Panels in Florida

Install Solar Panels in Arizona

Related projects

Major Markets