DIY guideDucts and vents

Balance the supply registers and dampers for the season

Set the duct dampers and the room registers for heating or cooling, floor by floor and room by room, so every room is comfortable.

8 steps

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Look along the round ducts near the furnace for small levers. Each turns a damper inside that feeds a room or a floor.
A lever along the duct is open; across it is closed. Some have marks for summer and winter.
For cooling, open the upstairs runs fully and close the basement runs part way. Cool air sinks.
For heating, open the lower floors more and ease the upstairs back. Warm air rises.
Room by room, open the louvers where it runs cold and close them a little where it runs hot.
Never close more than a few registers in the house: the system needs the air.
Mark each lever's summer and winter spot with tape or a marker, so next time is quick.
Rooms still far too hot or cold, or a lever that won't move: ask Handyman for a heating and cooling tech.

Handyman says: Still uneven? I'll find an HVAC tech.

Free for every home. Handyman asks a few questions, then books a pro it trusts.