Closing Vents Won’t Lead to Energy Savings
If you’re looking to save money on your energy bills, you’ve probably considered shutting the vents in the rooms you don’t typically use. Although this seems like an idea that might work, it probably won’t have the effect that you’re looking for.
No Less Air
When you close off a vent, you’re only keeping the climate-controlled air from flowing into that room. However, you’re not stopping the air from filling up the duct that leads to the vent. Closing some vents doesn’t change the output of your furnace or air conditioner. Therefore, when the air is blocked from entering a room, it simply backs up in the ducts. Eventually, that air ends up being pushed into other rooms.
System Stress
When air distribution in your home doesn’t go according to design, it can put a toll on your system. First of all, studies have shown that closing some vents can end up increasing your overall energy consumption because doing so interrupts your system’s proper airflow pattern. You may also end up with unnecessary pressure buildup in your system. The compressor or the heat exchanger could become taxed to the point of breaking down. Instead of saving money, closing vents could lead to needing to call for heating or cooling repairs.
Additionally, you don’t have the option to close the air return vents in your unused rooms. That means even if you block the airflow into the room, you can’t stop the system from trying to pull air back out. If there’s no input, the system may end up drawing in outdoor air through cracks and crevices instead.
Better Ways to Save
If saving money on heating and cooling bills is important to you, there are better ways to go about it. Instead of closing vents, try some of these more reliable methods for reducing your energy consumption:
- Installing a programmable thermostat
- Upgrading to a new furnace or air conditioner
- Having your ducts inspected for leaks
- Performing regular system maintenance
For all your heating, cooling, and indoor air quality needs, contact Reed Service Company in Beaumont, Texas, today.