Last Updated on December 18, 2022
There are a couple of different instances where you might be wondering if you can put a bed over a floor vent or not. The two main reasons are style and function.
While some may argue that it is purely for decorative purposes or to save your room space. But there are cases where putting a bed over a floor vent can actually prevent airflow in your home.
Continue reading to understand better what can happen if you place a bed over a floor vent, the solution for better space management, and how you can improve the airflow in your home.
Can You Put a Bed Over a Floor Vent?
Tiled floors often come with built-in vents, which help circulate air within the room and lower energy bills. However, when it comes time to furnish your room, you may be wondering if you can cover the floor vent with a bed.
The answer is no. To prevent the HVAC system’s malfunctioning and to block the airflow from your system, you should not install a bed directly above the vent. Also, sleeping in this position is not the most comfortable. After all, no one wants to discover that they are on fire in the middle of the night.
Consequences of Covering a Floor Vent with a Bed
One might think that having a floor vent under their bed is the perfect way to stay warm at night, no more cold feet. There are consequences to blocking a floor vent with a bed that one should consider before taking this measure:
Factor 1: HVAC System Malfunction
Many people don’t realize that covering a floor vent can cause more problems than it solves. First of all, it interferes with the operation of the HVAC system. When the HVAC system kicks on, it circulates air across the home.
The system is designed to circulate air through the vents; when a vent is covered, that air has nowhere to go but back into the system. This puts extra strain on the system and can lead to a malfunction. Also, closing vents can cause humidity levels to rise.
Factor 2: Unbalanced Airflow
Floor vents are essential to any heating and air conditioning system but are also a significant source of drafts. A single vent can account for up to 30% of the total airflow in a room. This means that if a bed is placed over a floor vent, the airflow in the room will become unbalanced.
The result will be uneven heating and cooling and increased energy costs. In some cases, the unbalanced airflow can also lead to condensation and mold growth. For these reasons, it is imperative to be careful when placing furniture over vents. Keep furniture at least 18 inches away from vents to ensure proper airflow.
Factor 3: Uneven Temperatures
Closing air vents on the floor with bedding can lead to uneven temperatures. One side of the bed may be significantly warmer or cooler, making it difficult to get comfortable.
The problem with this is that it can make you uncomfortable in bed and even lead to waking up at night feeling too hot or too cold. Also, the temperature difference can cause the bedding to shift, creating an uncomfortable and possibly dangerous sleeping situation.
Factor 4: Higher Electricity Bills
Blocking an HVAC vent can cause your heating and cooling system to work harder, which will lead to higher utility bills. In addition, it can also result in poor indoor air quality. Covering a vent means that the air that circulates through it cannot escape.
This can cause dust and other particles to build up in the ductwork, which can eventually be released into the cold air. Higher electricity bills are one of the drawbacks of blocking a floor vent.
When the vent is covered, the airflow is restricted, which can cause the air conditioner to work harder and use more energy. Also, the air conditioner will have to run longer to cool the room, resulting in higher energy costs.
Factor 5: Damage to Bed & Furniture
When a vent is covered with a bed, it can cause the wood to warp and the paint to chip. Also, the weight of the bedding can eventually cause the vent to collapse, resulting in severe damage to the structure.
The best way to avoid this problem is to use deflectors or other types of protective covering on the underside of the bed. This will help to keep the vent from being damaged and will also help to prevent dust and other debris from getting into the bed.
Factor 6: Fire and Freezing Hazards
It’s not uncommon for people to want to cover their floor vents with a bed or other piece of furniture. After all, it can be unsightly to have a bare vent sticking out, and it can also be a tripping hazard. However, there are some significant dangers associated with covering a floor vent.
The primary reason is that it may block airflow, causing the furnace to overheat and potentially start a fire. It can also cause the AC to freeze, leading to a loss of cooling power and potentially damaging the unit.
Also, blocking a floor vent can strain your heating system as it works harder to push the hot air through the obstruction. In the worst case, it could lead to a fire if the ventilation ducts become clogged.
Factor 7: Mildew and Mold Growth Risks
It might be to cover the floor vents, but that could increase mildew and mold growth risks. Among the most significant risks is that the bed will block the floor vent’s ventilation. This can create a humid environment around the bed, ideal for mold and mildew growth.
Plus, if mold or mildew is already present in the room, covering the floor vent can cause it to spread more quickly. So, it is crucial to consider the potential risks before choosing a bed that covers a floor vent.
These are the top consequences resulting from covering a floor vent. But there are some solutions you can take to avoid these problems.
How to Position The Bed Appropriately on The Floor Vent?
People want to make sure the bed is positioned in the correct spot on the vent. But one problem many people face when trying to cover a floor vent with a bed is that the bed can often block the airflow from the vent. This can cause the room to feel stuffy and uncomfortable & it could ultimately end up being a waste of money.
There are a few different solutions to this problem:
Install a Bed Frame:
A bed frame can be a great way to keep the bedding in place and allow for proper airflow. This is because the structure will raise the bed off the ground, allowing air to flow freely beneath it. It is fundamental to note that the hole on the floor vent should be of an appropriate size such that the bed frame can cover it well.
The proper measurements must be taken to position the bedding correctly. The person installing should take measures of both the bed frame and the hole on the floor to ascertain they are of the correct size.
After that, they should center the bed frame over the hole so that it can balance on all sides. The next thing would be to screw in eye bolts around the perimeter at a distance of about two feet from each other.
The last step is to tie a rope around each eye bolt looping it over to form an x-shape in the middle. This will help evenly distribute any weight in the middle, preventing sagging. Finally, one should stand back and ensure their creation is level and firm before attaching a mattress for use.
Obey the 18-inches Rule:
Positioning the bed is not only about aesthetics but also practicability. Ideally, there should be no wasted space under the bed; at the same time, the bed should be able to take full advantage of any available natural light and ventilation in the room. One of the easiest ways to achieve this is to follow the 18-inches rule.
This rule states that there should be at least 18 inches of space between the bed and the floor vent. This will allow you to fully use the vent without worrying about the bed blocking it.
Also, following this rule will help improve air circulation in the room and reduce dust accumulation. Thus, following the 18-inches rule is essential in correctly positioning your bed.
Install a Floor Vent Deflectors:
Floor vent deflectors are essential when positioning a bed on the floor. They help ensure that the vent’s airflow is directed towards the sleeping area rather than being obstructed by the bed frame.
These air vent diverters can help reduce noise levels by absorbing sound vibrations. When placing a bed on a floor vent, it is essential to position the deflector so that it does not interfere with the functioning of the vent or cause any safety hazards.
In most cases, the air deflector should be placed so that the air flows toward the head of the bed. This will help to assure that the person sleeping in the bed remains comfortable throughout the night.
What to Consider Before Putting a Bed Over a Floor Vent?
Taking the time to consider your options before making significant changes to your home is always a good idea. This is especially true when the bed is placed over a floor vent.
You should consider a few things before deciding, such as the type of flooring you have, the size of the vent, and the height of your bed. For example, if you have hardwood floors, you’ll want to ensure that the bedding is elevated enough so the vents won’t get blocked.
You’ll also want to consider how often you use the vents and whether or not you think putting a bed over them will increase the dust and allergens in your home.
Taking the time to weigh all of these factors will help you make an informed decision about whether or not the arrangement will be right for you.
FAQs
The following are some questions frequently asked about placing a bed over a floor vent.
Q: What Happens If You Cover an Air Vent?
When you cover a vent, it can damage the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is responsible for transferring heat from the air to the refrigerant. Your AC will have to work harder to cool your home. This can lead to higher energy bills and shorten the lifespan of your AC unit.
Q: Is It OK to Put a Bed Over a Floor Vent?
No, putting a bed over a floor vent is not OK. Placing a bed against a floor vent can block the air flow and cause the furnace or air conditioner to work harder than necessary, leading to increased energy costs. It can also create an unsafe environment by blocking heat escape in case of a fire.
Q: What Happens If You Cover a Floor Vent With a Bed?
Covering a floor vent with a bed can dry and damage the wood. This is because the heat from the vent will cause the moisture in the wood to evaporate, which can lead to cracking and damage.
Likewise, if you have a lot of furniture or other items around your bed, it can restrict airflow and prevent it from working correctly. This can cause your furnace to work harder to heat your home, increasing energy bills.
Q: Can You Cover Air Return Vents With a Bed?
No, you cannot put a bed over an air return vent. Air return vents must be kept clear to allow the furnace or air conditioner to circulate air throughout the home adequately. If you block the air return vents, it could cause your air conditioner or furnace to overwork and potentially break down.
Q: How Do You Redirect a Floor Vent?
There are a few ways to redirect a floor vent, but one of the easiest ways is to use a vent deflector. These deflectors are designed to attach to your vents and redirect the airflow in a particular direction. You can find these products at most hardware stores or online.
Conclusion
While putting a bed directly over a floor vent is possible, it’s not always the best idea. Not only will the bedding block the heat from coming up through the vent, but it can also make it difficult to clean the vent or make repairs if necessary. Also, putting a bed over a floor vent can create a trip hazard.
If you decide to erect a bed above a floor vent, ensure that the structure is high enough off the ground so that people can see the vent and avoid stepping on it. We hope this article on can you put a bed over a floor vent helped you by providing some helpful information.