Pro Handyman Blog

Here is a simple handyman fix if you have an air conditioning register that has fallen down or is separating from the ceiling. Your air conditioning system blows air through your house with plenty of force. This pushes against the vent covers and sometimes works them loose.

The first thing to do is to get a ladder and see if you can just tighten the screws that hold the cover to the ceiling. That may be all there is to the fix. However, the screws may have pulled out to the extent that they may not tighten anymore. If that is the case, remove the screws and the vent cover. It is likely that the force of air has pushed against the threads of the screws and the sheet metal no longer holds the screw threads. In this case, I would use a larger screw whose threads will bite into the sheet metal.

While you have the cover removed, it’s probably a good idea to clean the debris and dirt from it. You might even gently wipe the inside of the vent, but be careful as this area can have sharp edges.

Hold the vent cover back up to the ceiling and insert the new screws until snug. It’s a good idea not to close the vent completely. By allowing air to pass into the room, you will maintain good balance in the system and avoid the force pushing against the vent cover.