With cooler weather arriving, the HVAC system that keeps your home cool during the summer is now switching into heating mode and blowing warm air into your home. As we all become more aware of saving energy and reducing utility bills, it’s necessary to understand how to get the most out of our systems.
One idea is to close vents in unused rooms, such as guest rooms or dining rooms that are only used occasionally. This seems completely logical to me – why heat a room you don't use? However, the facts may surprise you. In fact, HVAC experts advise against it.
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Keep HVAC vents open
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This may seem to defy logic, but there are several reasons why closing vents doesn't make sense, even in rooms that are rarely used.
“Contrary to common misconception, closing vents in unused rooms can cause stress issues in your system, forcing it to work harder and potentially causing damage,” says Micah Sherman, virtual HVAC expert at American Home Shield.
Your HVAC system is under greater pressure
“Air will eventually build up in these vents and create additional pressure, which can actually damage your system,” explains Eli Zimmer, Director of Operations at Luxaire HVAC Services. “Your system may actually be working harder to try to move air through those vents, amplifying the pressure and becoming a hazard.”
The science is relatively simple. Richie Drew, vice president of operations for One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, explains that the cubic feet of air that passes through an HVAC system every minute must be returned to the system, and closing vents disrupts the airflow.
“Duct systems are designed to match the output and input of equipment in terms of airflow. The key to efficiency is getting air to flow evenly through the house and system, maintaining the correct static pressure,” he explains.
Airflow can also be disrupted when furniture or appliances cover vents or grills, which can cause ductwork to sweat, leading to unwanted moisture issues, he adds. What's more, “if the airflow is restricted enough, the coils can actually freeze, damaging the system.”
So while HVAC experts believe that closing your vents will make your system more efficient and save you money, the opposite is true.
it makes the system unbalanced
Sherman explains how HVAC systems work and why closing vents in unused rooms is a bad idea. “Your HVAC system is designed to heat or cool the entire home based on its original settings. Restricting airflow by closing vents throws off the balance of the system, causing inefficiency and possible damage.”
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Blower motors and compressors go the extra mile
He adds, “When you close the vents, the system's blower is still trying to push the same amount of air into fewer open vents. This increases the pressure in the ducts, making the blower motor work harder to move the air.”
He adds, “If your system uses a variable-speed blower, it will speed up to maintain airflow, thus using more energy. With a fixed-speed blower, insufficient airflow can cause the system to overheat or freeze, depending on the season.”
This all puts a lot of stress on the HVAC system. “Higher static pressure means blowers and compressors have to push harder to maintain airflow, which shortens their service life and increases operating costs,” says Bert Miskell, owner of BPM Heating, Cooling and Plumbing.
It can also cause your system to cycle – turning on and off frequently.
Extra pressure may cause leaks in piping systems
Jordan Benjamin, president of Done Rite Services, adds that in addition to building up pressure in the system, closing some vents can cause leaks in ductwork and connections, while also causing uneven temperatures in your home.
What to do if you want to seal off certain areas of your home
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General advice is to keep all vents in your home open. However, if you do want to seal off certain parts of your home, Tim Algaushove, COO of IRBIS Air, Plumbing & Electrical, recommends talking to an HVAC technician about installing a zoning system.
“If set up correctly,” he says, “HVAC zoning can help you control specific areas of your home independently. Your HVAC provider can also help you understand how to use such a system effectively and achieve your specific goals.”
How to keep your HVAC system running efficiently
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There are several key steps to follow to ensure your HVAC system is operating efficiently and maximizing its airflow potential.
annual service
In addition to booking an annual service with a professional (making sure indoor and outdoor coils are cleaned, exterior clutter removed, and drains unclogged), there are some repairs you can do yourself.
Keep vents open
Keep vents open to ensure airflow is clear and that no furniture or other obstructions are blocking them. Sherman recommends keeping carpets, furniture, and drapes away from vents because they can “block airflow, increase energy costs, and may encourage mold growth in damp areas.”
open your door
Zimmer also recommends leaving doors (not just vents) open in unused rooms. “When warm air comes in through open vents, it's not trapped in these rooms and wasted,” he says.
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Clean vents and replace air filter
Regularly cleaning your vents and changing your HVAC filters will also ensure your system is running efficiently. Drew recommends changing the air filter every 30 days. However, be sure to check the guidelines for your HVAC system as they may last up to three months.
Check seals
It's also worth checking the amount of air flowing through each vent regularly. “If you notice that there is significantly less air coming out of your vents than before, or the room is no longer cooling or heating as well as it once did, the duct may be cracked and need to be sealed,” says Sherman.
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