Are there high flow floor heat registers available?

Question

The weather has been pretty warm lately so we've been running our A/C. I noticed that it didn't seem like much air was coming out of the registers, so I checked to make sure the blades/louvers were fully open. When I pulled out the register there was a HUGE difference between having the register in (and completely open) and removed. There is easily 40% more airflow when the register is removed.

We have a few "scroll pattern" registers that are a bit better, but I haven't been able to find them locally anymore. All of the new ones seem to use this plastic louver behind the decorative plate that looks like it blocks 50% of the air even when fully open.

Are there high-flow registers available (4x10)?

Answer 1

It looks like you can buy damper boxes separately from grilles. An example is here. You could also get a grille and install it without a damper box if you have no need to damp airflow from that supply vent.

Alternatively, just cut the metal/plastic that's blocking supply off your existing register and call it a day.

Answer 2

There are various sellers of louvered and non-louvered floor vents. These can be pricey though.

Of course if you're going to be replacing the existing cover anyway, you may as well try the other poster's solution of just removing the plastic from the one you've already got.

You titled your question 'high flow'; the above I'd consider more 'normal flow'. For people looking for increased airflow from a vent, there are also powered vent fans available. These aren't decorative and are more expensive.

For a custom/fancy outlet cover with high flow via fan boosting, I don't know of any products on the market, but the fans are essentially like computer fans you can buy for $5-10 plus a power supply and an airflow sensor/switch. Could make a great DIY project.