How to Install Return Grilles in an Apartment Unit
Return ducts pull air from your apartment home to the air conditioner or furnace, where it is cooled or warmed and recycled through a supply duct back into the living space. The hole in the wall where the duct ends should be covered by a metal or wood grille. If your apartment is missing a return grille, installing one is as simple as measuring the hole, buying the right size grill and attaching it to the wall. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Carpenter's level
- Pencil
- Drill with 1/16-inch bit
- Screwdriver
Instructions
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1
Measure the dimensions of the hole in the wall.
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2
Purchase a return grille at the hardware store that is large enough to cover the hole -- it should overlap by 1 or 2 inches on all sides.
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3
Place the grille on the wall so that it completely covers the hole. Place a carpenter's level on top of the grille to make sure it is level, then make a pencil mark on the wall through the two screw holes on each side of the grille.
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4
Drill a 1/16-inch pilot hole at each of the two pencil marks.
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5
Place the grille back on the wall and, using the mounting screws provided, screw the grille into place.
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Tips & Warnings
Most grilles are lightweight and can be supported by a screw into the drywall. If you are installing a heavier grille, such as one made from iron, make sure the screws are anchored into a 2-by-4 or other structural member in the wall. If no structural member is available, insert plastic anchors into the wall and drive the screws into them.
