Best AC Vents in 2023: Buying Guide

People replace their AC vents for any number of reasons. Older AC vents eventually need to be replaced if they give way to rust or when the fins are bent. Sometimes, the vents get painted over, causing the damper lever to stick. Even if an AC vent is repairable, replacing it is less of a hassle.

Our Recommended AC Vents in 2023

Need to replace your AC vents? These six vents offer the greatest value for the lowest price.

#7 12″ by 6″ Adjustable Air Supply Diffuser

Basic but reliable. The air vent is made of scratch-resistant steel. Unlike many AC vents, this air supply vent is not finished in a powder coating.

Therefore, the ultraviolet rays from the sunlight won’t fade its pristine white coloring.

The outer dimensions of the vent measure 13.75 by 7.75 inches, and it’s made to fit a 12-by-6-inch duct opening. Thanks to its softened edges, you don’t have to worry about accidentally cutting yourself during installation.

You have the option of inserting the rectangular vent into a duct opening in the ceiling or a sidewall. With its flush-mounted design, the vent will blend seamlessly into the background.

Five louvers run across 12 vertical slats, maximizing the volume of air moving through it. A smooth damper lever with a rounded grip makes it easy to adjust the airflow, which you can point in an upward or downward direction.

#6 8″ by 4″ Adjustable Air Supply Diffuser

This dual-adjustable air supply diffuser is small and lightweight. Measuring 9.75 by 5.75 inches, the 13.6-ounce AC vent is suitable for use in an 8-by-4-inch opening. Despite its featherlight feel, the vent can withstand a little rough handling due to its steel construction and reinforced corners.

Coated in a pure white color, the AC vent is neutral enough to suit the decor of any room. The rectangular vent’s edges are flat, allowing for a neat flush mount on walls and ceilings. You don’t have to hunt down spare screws because the vent comes with the necessary hardware.

You can adjust the airflow 190 degrees by moving the three louvers downward or upward with the thin damper lever that’s curved for ergonomic purposes. Perpendicular to the louvers are 10 fins, which you can move left or right by hand.

#5 Accord ABSWWHA106 Sidewall/Ceiling Register

A simple way to adjust the airflow. This rectangle-shaped vent by Accord is fashioned from steel that’s covered in epoxy. Although its white finish works well in most settings, you can paint the 11.78-by-7.78-inch vent the color of your choice. Accord provides two screws for flush installation in a 10-by-6-inch ceiling or wall opening.

The AC vent has 11 fins that are dual-directional. To move any or all of them, simply push the one, or ones, you want to adjust left or right. This creates a vertical airflow.

On the vent, there are also five louvers. You can point them horizontally at any angle of your choosing. Even though the damper lever is made of plastic, you won’t lose your grip when adjusting the louvers. The lever is textured and has a concave center, which curves to the pad of your finger.

#4 Suncourt Flush Fit Register Air Booster (HC500-W)

An air booster with user-friendly controls. The Suncourt Flush Fit comes in your choice of white or brown. It’s meant for installation in a floor opening of 4 by 10 inches; however, a separate adapter can be purchased for insertion into a 6-by-13-inch wall opening.

The 5-watt, ETL-listed AC booster vent’s low profile reduces the risk of tripping, and the 6-foot power cord provides plenty of reach from the nearest electrical outlet. When its two 92-millimeter fans are on the highest of the three speeds, they generate an airflow of 132 cubic feet per minute.

You’ll appreciate the simplicity of the control panel. One button toggles the fan speed while another button lets you select the non-stop continuous mode or the sensor-based automatic mode. In the center of the panel, a dial offers eight temperature levels from which to choose.

Poor duct layouts may cause one room to be colder or warmer than the rest of the rooms in a house. An air booster increases the amount of air delivered into a room, helping to close the gap between the temperature difference without having to overrun your HVAC system.

#3 Decor Grates AJH410-RB

The Decor Grates AJH410-RB is a unique-looking floor register that comes in a variety of sizes and finishes. These registers are designed to open and close quickly to remove dust and other contaminants that make their way between the metal grates. Please note these floor registers do not come with filters or filter retainers.

With eight size options to choose from (between 2 x 12 and 6 x 14 inches), as well as color finishes, homeowners can find the perfect floor register that blends seamlessly with its surroundings. The top portion of these registers is made of steel, while the bottom portion that enters your floors are plastic. A tiny lever lets you slide the baffle plate to open or close the registers.

Also, the AJH410-RB is made specifically for floors, not walls, as they don’t come with pre-drilled hole screws. However, customers with steady hands have found ways to drill their own holes to mount these registers on walls.

#2 Accord ABSWWh3126 Sidewall/Ceiling Register

Get better control over your HVAC’s airflow with this register by Accord. The 13.5-by-7.6-inch AC vent is made of 24-gauge steel, which is thick and sturdy. Since it’s stamped in a single piece, the vent doesn’t have any seams that will come apart over time.

The white, rectangular register can fit duct openings up to 12 by 6 inches, and you can install it in the ceiling or in a sidewall. Accord includes a pair of screws that are quick and easy to insert. The screws measure 1 inch long, lending the AC vent stability.

On the front of the vent, two 10-fin sets splay outward from one another to deflect the air in dual directions.

The five vertical-running louvers are fully adjustable via the textured, finger-grip sliding lever to maximize the volume of air that blows from the one-half-inch gaps between the fins.

#1 AC Infinity Airtap T4 Register Booster

Sleek and advanced. The AC Infinity Airtap T4 is an aluminum register booster that’s precision cut by a CNC machine.

Its matte white finish gives it a cool, crisp look, and the LCD display is a perfect blend of form and function. AC Infinity provides the screws, mounting hardware and 6-foot adapter cord necessary for installation and use in a 4-by-10-inch duct opening.

Inside the AC vent booster, there are two fans that boast two-speed, 92-millimeter stator blades that push out up to 120 CFM. Thanks to the integration of dual ball bearings and pulse width modulation technology, the fans never get louder than 18 decibels.

From the display screen, a single button lets you control the fan speed. A pair of arrow buttons lets you set the thermostat to your desired temperature. To recall your last-known settings after a power outage, AC Infinity put a backup memory function in the Airtap T4.

AC Vent Buyer’s Guide

If you’re ready to pick out some new AC vents, there are a few shopping points you should keep in mind.

Size

Of course, you want to measure carefully to make sure the AC vent fits. However, don’t make the mistake of measuring the vent itself, particularly not its exterior and not even the interior. Instead, take measurements of the duct opening to get an accurate fit.

Material

Usually, AC vents are made from aluminum or steel. When it comes to sheer strength, steel is tougher than aluminum. On the other hand, aluminum is lighter. Aluminum can corrode and steel can rust. That’s why manufacturers protect their AC vents with epoxy or a powder-coated finish.

The Finish

If you decide to paint your walls or ceiling in the future, you may want the vent to match the new color. The AC vent’s finish may make this endeavor tricky. Paint has trouble adhering to powder coating, so some surface sanding will be in order. For an epoxy, you can just slap on a layer of primer.

Location

Think about where the vents will go – the ceilings, the walls or the floors. Basic AC vents can usually be installed in any of those three locations, but it’s best to use vents with dull edges in floor openings. Air boosters are generally restricted to floor-use only; however, some models can be adapted for wall installation.

Flush/Non-Flush

Flush versus non-flush mounting comes down to personal preference. If you want to minimize the appearance of the vent, a flush-mounted model is the better choice. Keep in mind that air boosters won’t mount flush due to the fans and components inside of them, but there are some with a slim profile.

Hardware

In most cases, “hardware included” just means the AC vent comes with two screws, but it’s always nice when you don’t have to procure your own. For air booster registers, screws, a mounting plate and an adapter cord should be provided.

Louvers

The most important aspect to consider in terms of louvers is whether they’re adjustable or stationary. Adjustable louvers offer more control over the flow of air. Those that do adjust typically move all at once. Side note – Make sure the damper lever offers a comfortable, firm grip.

Fins

With the fins, or slats, there are several features to weigh. Movable fins let you direct the airflow beyond what the louvers can help you do. If they can be adjusted, find out whether you can adjust them individually – Again, this feature allows for further control. The number of fins and the space between each fin also matter. With more open space, you get a greater air volume.

One-Way or Multiple-Way

Vents with stationary fins come in one-way and multiple-way versions. Multiple-way vents point the air in opposite directions to increase the air circulation in the room, and they come in two-way, three-way and four-way varieties.

Special Considerations for Air Boosters

Air boosters are a different AC-vent breed due to their internal fans and electrical components. If you’re in need of an air booster or two, here’s what you should know before you buy one.

The Fan

While there are single-fan models, dual-fan air boosters generate a higher airflow, which is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). Those with long fan blades also contribute to the booster’s airflow production.

Temperature Control

Depending on the model, there will be a simple turning knob that offers notched temperature selections or directional arrows for degree-by-degree temperature adjustment. Both styles are easy to use, so you simply have to decide which one you like the best.

Power

Manufacturers will list their air booster’s wattage in the specs. If you’re big on saving energy, you’ll find that these AC vents don’t consume a lot of power. While you’re reviewing the specs, be sure to check out the length of the adapter cord – It needs to be long enough to extend from the duct opening to an electrical outlet.

AC Vent Covers

Would it be advisable for me to replace my AC Ventilation Covers?

There are a couple of circumstances where you would very well like to change the vent covers of your AC.

If you are style conscious, you could decide to change the AC covers by replacing it and liven up your AC by replacing them with decorative ones you can buy from Vent Covers Pro. AC vent covers are really simple to replace by just by drilling a hole or two and a few screws.

Sometimes the AC vent covers can turn yellow or degenerate – particularly in homes or offices where there are smokers present. Other issues might also be that mold forms on the covers and then it would also be a good idea to replace them.

Advantages Of Decorative AC Vent Covers

AC vent covers have more advantages other than just concealing the cooling vents.

Directing Flow of Air

The AC vent covers make it simple to control and direct the stream of air from your AC. With the flick of the vent, you can direct where the air needs to go and this would allow you to control where the air is needed in order to cool down the room.

Stylish Look

It is much more satisfying to look at stylish covers than the normal drab ones, especially if you want to change the appearance of that particular room at some stage.

The color of AC covers can be changed by painting them if your budget does not allow you to replace them, when you get to the stage of changing the appearance and color-coding of that room. If money is no object then some people may opt to buy more stylish ones and replace the old ones.

AC covers are available in a wide range of designs and colors ranging from white to an old brass-style look. Moreover, numerous models can be re-colored to coordinate with the color that you have decided on for your home. This is helpful in the event that you need to change the look and feel of the home by redecorating and redesigning later on.

Owners that possess a Victorian-style house may even consider AC vents with some extravagant scrollwork on the vents to match the home’s theme. Vent Cover Pros have quite a few types of ornamental vents with a dull, dark bronze finish that would fit perfectly.

Prices

These AC covers come at a truly reasonable price and are very simple to fit. All that is necessary are some basic tools like a screwdriver and a couple of minutes of your time. There is no need to call in the services of an expert!

Tough Construction

The HVAC air conditioner you own should for all practical purposes last for a long time, and you need vents that can keep up with it. The replacement AC vent covers available from Vent Covers Pro are tough and produced from steel, although a couple of other types of materials are also used. Whichever style you pick, you can be assured that they would keep going for a long time!

Reliability

AC covers bought from Vent Covers Pro are really built well and produced to cope with a lot of wear and tear. You have the choice of a wide range of materials these covers are made from, ranging from steel to impact resistant polystyrene.

A few models have been produced using plastic parts to prevent rust issues, like for example in the damper boxes. Nevertheless, they are produced using a good quality and strong plastic that will deal with heat well.

Simple Installation

Fitting the new AC vents are really easy. Just remove the old covers and fit the replacement ones. For those installed in walls or ceilings, simply utilize a screwdriver and use the screws that are provided. Set the direction of the louvers where the flow of air would be ideal, and you are good to go!

Please remember that you should order AC covers in the sizes that you need and which depends on the size of the opening where it will be fitted. It would be advisable to measure the opening and not the covers that are being replaced.

FAQs

What Is a Supply and a Return?

A supply is a vent that’s connected to an HVAC system’s supply ducts, which send air into each room of the house. A return is a vent that’s connected to the system’s return ducts, which pull in air from the inside of the home. Together, supply and return ducts circulate the indoor air.

Are Registers and Grilles the Same?

Registers and grilles are vented fixtures that cover supplies and returns. However, there is one key difference. A register is adjustable, but a grille is unmovable.

Is There a Difference Between a Vent and a Register?

While people interchange the terms, a vent is a word used to describe any slatted covering for an HVAC system’s supply or a return. Registers are just one of several vent types that allow you to adjust the volume of air flowing into the room.

Do I Need a Regular AC Vent or an Air Booster?

Poor duct layouts may cause one room to be colder or warmer than the rest of the rooms in a house. An air booster increases the amount of air delivered into a room, helping to close the gap between the temperature difference without having to overrun your HVAC system.

Will It Harm My HVAC System to Close the AC Vent in an Unused Room?

You may think that you’re saving money by closing the AC vent in an unused room, but that simply isn’t the case. In fact, you’re costing yourself money in the long run.

A closed vent increases the static pressure in your HVAC system’s ducts, which makes the blower motor work harder. In turn, your AC unit becomes less efficient. Evaporator coils may also freeze over and ruin the compressor, leaving you with thousands of dollars’ worth of repairs.

If I Do Close the Vent, Will All the Air Be Blocked?

Even if you do decide to close an AC vent, you won’t be able to stop all the air from coming into the room. AC vents are not designed to be airtight fixtures. Therefore, a slight bit of air will always seep out between the slats. If you feel there’s too much airflow, adjust the louvers until the vent is partially open.

Why Is There Noise Coming From My AC Vent?

There could be many reasons. If it’s a flapping or rattling noise, there may be a small object behind the vent, like a screw or a toy. A high-pitched sound is often caused by impeded airflow – The most probable suspects include a clogged filter or a blocked/closed vent.

What is the Difference Between Vent Covers And Registers?

It is possible to change the flow of air by using the controls on the air register, usually fitted to the bottom. The vent covers basically just covers the channel without the additional capability of changing the flow of air.

If you have any questions or comments, please add them below in the comment section. Similarly, please let us know if you spot any mistakes or omissions. Thanks!

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Last Update: 2024-04-17 | Affiliate links/Images from Amazon Product Advertising API