It sounds like there may be a damper in the duct work feeding these two registers and it is not fully opened. Look carefully to see if you can find it. Check also for any duct work that is disconnected or has a major leak.

It could be that you have balancing dampers installed at the branch connections. They can be hard to see. Look for a small adjustable metal lever on the exterior of the duct near the connection.

Yes, that is what I was thinking (and expecting to find). Initial inspection by feeling in and around the silver insulation of the secondary duct close to the main duct failed to find anything that might point to a damper. Maybe I should do a second look!

Thanks!

My response just now was in reply to mike_home.

Thanks too to Charles Ross Homes which reinforces the decision to take a closer look!

How return air is configured and located impacts supply velocity and volume. The important issue is comfort. Is there a remarkable difference in temperature between rooms?

Your question is a good one! My wife is the one 'complaining' about it being cooler but she says it after coming from a shower in a bathroom that has a heated floor. It might be a little cooler but a) a large proportion of what is a small room (large walk-in closet basically) is taken up by two windows and b) the door is always open to the bedroom so heat from there can mix. However, my wife's portion is further away from the door. I am looking into it as I am intrigued why the airflow is so different - not because I am cold!

For simplicity, I am assuming all is ok with the returns (for now).

"For simplicity, I am assuming all is ok with the returns (for now)."

Oh no you don't. Had you not said "intrigued" I'd let it lay but now I have to stir the pot so it continues to haunt you. Flow to branches is influenced mostly by pressure in relation to size. I don't understand everything I know about it but placing a restriction in a duct will cause it to act as yours did (little or no change) when downstream outlets are closed. Perceived flow is different in a 6" and 10" duct side by side with 10" squeezed down to 6" opening when other outlets are closed or fan speed increased. Might be evidence of damper or smashed duct in yours. But then there's a host of other things like turbulence engineers take into consideration. Think about it some more while trying to go to sleep tonight. LOL

Conditioning of large closets is problematic, in part, because the code prohibits installation of returns in closets. Since you leave the closet door open, return air flow shouldn't be an issue. Your closet has exterior walls and windows which increases the likelihood the supplied air flow rate is inadequate. The use of balancing dampers to direct additional air flow to closet may do the trick.

Your question is a good one! My wife is the one 'complaining' about it being cooler but she says it after coming from a shower in a bathroom that has a heated floor. It might be a little cooler but a) a large proportion of what is a small room (large walk-in closet basically) is taken up by two windows and b) the door is always open to the bedroom so heat from there can mix. However, my wife's portion is further away from the door. I am looking into it as I am intrigued why the airflow is so different - not because I am cold!

For simplicity, I am assuming all is ok with the returns (for now).

Huxleys,

This response is going to seem like I am publicly beating you... when the response it geared to providing you a dose of information that HVAC problems have to be real in order to provide a solution.

You said "I am into "chasing this rabbit in his hole" why this or why that - not because I am cold!"

Ok, you didn't say exactly that, as I emphasized what it appears to me that you are doing.

Your wife gets out of the shower wet and is cold. --- under normal conditions you're not cold?

How much time does she spend in the shower and or cold when she gets out? chase the rabbit.

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air flow: duct systems and the designs of such are largely going to determine how well the air flow is or isn't. Could there be an errant set damper? sure, but from what you say that isn't the case. Crushed ducts. Sure those are obvious things to look for design problems of said duct system are not as easy.

It could be due to a myriad number of issues, placement of the system in question in relation to this room that is used briefly in addition to possibly being wet while using this room. The body feels cold when wet and air is being blown on it. The remedy could be: close the door, shut the system off when taking a shower. Or chase the rabbit.

Additionally air flow can be effected by issues of the blower, lack of return air, something being sucked into blower when it comes on. Just because the blower comes on doesn't necessarily mean it's working. If the blower doesn't ramp to speed properly? garbage in - garbage out (GIGO) there's a balance the blower can't magically create air that isn't there. It will try to blow or it will kill itself trying.

It is common as the day is long: let's not look at the return, it's there it's fine. I don't really have a problem but I am intrigued. Comparison to the house cat: hey, what's that. I must investigate! Sometimes leads to death, but a cat has 9 lives. ha, ha.

A heated floor is good, so I guess your wife's feet are nice and warm. Get the air off of her sounds like a reasonable idea to try, if you're not cold.

Or rip the whole system out and start over... because you're intrigued. The big box HVAC companies would see you coming a mile away.

It's going to seem like I am bashing you here only to then drag you thru the yard the mud, the thistles. That's not my intent. It is to rip the bandage off and get to the "heart of the matter" really quick. You take a shower, get wet in there and start doing things that aid in you not feeling cold pass that information onto your wife.

If you're so intrigued, I think you need to experience the problem first hand. ( or make up a new one for walking around and not being cold looking for a problem that?? You tell I can only go by what you have said here.

Note: I've been to homes with so called problems only to find out two people have different ideas as to what the thermostat should be set at. I am not a marriage counselor. LOL.

If you ever run in to an HVAC contractor at a party: plant your butt in earshot. He will eventually go into story mode telling you some of the funniest stories you've ever heard in your life.

I service the Katy, Texas area.

(Only if you reside in or near the Katy, Texas area and looking to schedule HVAC service should you ever call me. This job is an "in person job" I am not here to play guessing games with your comfort. My response will most likely be similar to this one. Your story, what ever it is will become a story I will retell.)

Robo Killer: If you are a new customer contacting me for the first time. Follow the prompts and provide the necessary info to reach me. New in 2024 to provide you the best HVAC service possible.