Should I Close the HVAC Vents in My Home?

If the HVAC bills in your Houston, Texas, home are on the rise, you may be looking for ways to boost the efficiency and reduce your costs. You could be tempted to shut some of the vents in the unused rooms to keep air flowing to the other rooms of your home. Learn more about why closing HVAC vents can actually do more harm than good.

Altered Airflow

When your HVAC system was installed, the contractor likely planned out every vent, register, and inch of ductwork. The system was sized based on the number of rooms and overall layout of the space, allowing for sufficient airflow throughout each room in the house. When you close one or several of the vents, the airflow path is altered, which can create an imbalance of the system. This can lead to several additional problems.

Damaged or Leaky Ducts

When the vents are closed, the air can’t escape through them, causing air to build up in the ducts and increase the pressure. As a result, the pressure may cause the ducts to become damaged or allow air to leak, which means your system will use more energy to heat and cool the space in which the ducts are installed.

In most homes, the ducts are placed between the floors of the house, in the attic, or in the crawlspace. None of these areas need to be heated or cooled, so when air escapes through the leaky ducts, your system will continue to work harder to produce enough air to warm up or cool down the rooms you actually use.

Reduced Efficiency

Closing HVAC vents can also reduce how efficiently your system can operate. The extra pressure buildup requires the furnace or air conditioner to work harder to move air throughout the other rooms of the home. Not only can this reduce its efficiency, but it can also damage your unit that will be expensive to repair.

Instead of closing your vents, contact us at Davis AC to learn more about how we can help improve your HVAC efficiency by calling 888-710-5530.

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