How to Adjust HVAC Vents Installed High Above Your Head

Some homes have HVAC vents installed very high, just below the ceiling. These can be difficult to reach, especially for shorter people. If you're finding yourself standing on a chair every time you need to open or close the vent, just follow these steps to build a handy tool.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Small metal cup hook
• Broom handle
• Hacksaw
• Electric drill

1. Preferably, find an old, worn out broom that needs to be thrown out or replaced. Use the hacksaw to cut off the end. Estimate about how long of a handle you will need to reach the vent hooks, then cut the end of the broomstick to be about six inches longer, just in case.

2. When you've finished cutting your broom handle, screw the small metal cup hook into the freshly cut end. If your cup hook needs a pre-drilled hole, use an electric drill with a small bit.

3. Once the cup hook is firmly in place, use your new tool to reach the HVAC vent switches. Opening and closing them should be very easy. Keep your vent switch handle in a nearby closet so that you'll always know where it is when you need it.

Tips & Warnings

• If you like things to be perfect, feel free to measure the distance between your extended arm and the highest vent in your home. Otherwise, this is the kind of cutting project you can just estimate.