How to Install Stellar Air Return Air (Grille) Covers
1. Open the filter grille door and remove it. Unhook the latches holding the grille door in place and slide the grille door out at a very slight angle.
2. Once the door is removed, attach your new return air grille cover by aligning the cover with the box frame.
- If you have an inside layout, the vent cover will fit inside the framework of the box, leaving the outer rim exposed.
- If you have a flush layout, your cover will sit flush with existing box framework, leaving the outer edge exposed along the side
- If you have a wrap-around layout, the cover will fit over the top of the existing box framework leaving nothing visible.
Note: If the screws holding your existing box in place are on the face of the box, you will need to move them to the pre-drilled holes on the interior of the box to ensure the cover attaches properly.
3. Place the cover onto the existing box. The magnets will securely attach the vent cover to the box.
Installing Our Grille Covers
Tips for Preparation and Installation
- If you wish to paint or stain your cover, you should do so before installing the cover.
- Always handle our grille covers with two hands near or at the perimeter of the grille.
- Ensure that the return air opening is sized properly before installing. For information about measuring, please review this page and the product page carefully.
- Ensure that the screws or nails meet the framing or stud behind the drywall.
- Do not force the wooden grille into the metal frame or the return air opening.
How to Install Stellar Air Register Covers
Installation for our register covers differs depending on if you are installing our wall/ceiling covers, our magnetic metal floor covers, our screw-in metal floor covers or our wood floor covers.
Please review the below videos for your chosen register cover type.
Installing Our Wall & Ceiling Register Covers
Installing Our Magnetic Metal Floor Covers
Installing Our Screw-In Metal Floor Covers
Installing Our Magnetic Wood Floor Covers
Having issues?
Troubleshooting Guide
Grille does not lock securely in metal frame.
Stellar Air Decorative Vent Covers are installed easily using magnets that are in the back of the wooden vent. If your current metal frame box is aluminum, stainless steel, or another non-magenetic surface, you will need to remove yours and install the new metal frame box that comes with the Stellar Air vent. Make sure to secure the metal frame box straight so the vent can snap in properly . Also make sure that when you secure the new metal frame box in your drywall, you use the inner holes to secure the box. Then snap in the Stellar Air vent in place.
There is a gap between my cover and the frame.
This could be for 2 reasons:
- You secured the metal frame box with the screws in the front. Instead, remove them and secure the metal frame box from the inner part (where the filter sits in place)
- There is base molding or framing not allowing you to position the vent all the way in, this is for Wraparound cases. Please review our website for more information about measuring your current duct opening to ensure proper fitting. In order to ensure that your cover fits, you should replace your existing box with the new metal frame box that came with the wooden vent cover.
My Stellar Air grille cover does not lock securely into my current frame.
Our return air grille covers should easily install with our magnet technology. If your current vent framework is wood, aluminum, stainless steel or another non-magnetic surface, you will need to replace your current box with the one provided with your shipment.
You've got questions, we've got answers
FAQ
How do I measure for my replacement vent cover?
- For register covers, we need the duct opening dimensions. For example: if the opening is 8×10, then the overall dimensions of the vent will be 10×12, allowing a 1” border around so you can drill it in your wall or ceiling.
- For return air covers, we need the filter size that you are using behind the grille. If you don’t have a filter there, then measure the duct opening (NOT the existing cover). If you want the wraparound layout, make sure you have at least 2.5 inches from the duct opening all around. That way the wraparound frame can fit.
How do I know what size cover to order?
- Our return air grille covers are sized based on standard filter sizes. Please check the filter size you are currently using with your air intake system to ensure you are ordering the correct size. If you are not sure, you will need to measure your opening. Always measure the width first, followed by the height. Dimensions are based on the size of the wall or ceiling opening that should be the same as your filter size. For example, a 20×25 filter means the opening should have a width of 20” and a height of 25”.
- For register covers, order based on the duct opening (hole). If your size is not listed, please email us to ask about custom sizes.
Please carefully review the Installation Guide section above and watch the included video.
I’m not sure what layout I should order. What’s the difference?
Our return air covers come in three layouts: inside, flush and wraparound.
- If you choose the inside layout, the vent cover will fit inside the framework of the box, leaving the outer rim exposed.
- If you choose the flush layout, your cover will sit flush with the existing box framework, leaving the outer edge exposed along the side.
- If you choose a wraparound layout, the cover will fit over the top of the existing box framework, leaving nothing visible.
To see a visual of our different layout options, watch this YouTube video.
How do Stellar Air covers stay in place?
Our return air grille covers have magnets which attach to the metal framed box in the air intake opening. Every return air cover comes with a new metal framed box to ensure proper fit and installation.
I don’t need the metal box that was included with my shipment. Can I return it?
Unfortunately, no. The reason we include a new metal frame box is to ensure proper fit and installation. Existing frame boxes could be damaged or broken, which would mean your new Stellar Air cover wouldn't snap into place properly. Our cost for the metal frame is very low, so it is not worth returning. You could recycle or ship it back if you would like, at your cost. We can get you a $5 off your next purchase.
Are the covers painted or stained?
All Stellar Air vent covers are made of unstained and unpainted natural wood. You can have your items primed for an additional fee by selecting the option on the order page. If you wish to paint or stain your cover, you should do so before installation.
How do I replace the vent filter once I've installed my Stellar Air cover?
To replace your filter, simply remove the grille by following Steps 1-3 above in the Installation Guide section. Reverse the process to insert a new filter (remember TGIF! – Top Goes In First!) and re-install the vent cover.
How do I clean my Stellar Air cover?
To clean your Stellar Air Decorative Vent Covers product, use a lightly dampened cloth to wipe down.
What is your return policy?
Our shop policy states that since our vents and registers are made to order (custom orders), WE DO NOT TAKE ANY RETURNS OR EXCHANGES UNLESS IT HAS BEEN DAMAGE WHILE SHIPPING OR FOR HAVING MANUFACTURER ISSUES. Please check more details here.