With ever-increasing energy costs, you may be thinking of ways to lower the monthly bill.

One idea that comes to mind is closing vents in unused rooms. At first, it may seem like a total waste of energy to cool down rooms that are seldomly used.

Find out the truth about whether or not closing vents in empty rooms saves on your energy costs.

Reasons to Close Your Vents

You may believe there are perfectly logical reasons for closing vents in unoccupied rooms of your home.

  • Closing vents will save both energy and money
  • Why cool down a room if no one is using it?
  • Occupied rooms will be cooler with the redirected air from unused, closed vent rooms

Closed Vent Problems

Contrary to these ideas about closing vents, it’s actually a bad idea from an energy, efficiency, and cost savings point of view.

When you close off vents to unused rooms, there are several problems that may arise.

Airflow Issues

Throwing off the balance of the entire design of your HVAC system by closing off vents can produce uneven airflow issues throughout the home. Ultimately, this restricts airflow to the point where it may stop completely.

Ductwork Issues

Restricted or lack of airflow can cause pressure backup in the ductwork. You may experience air leaks or other damage, or condensation buildup that leads to mold.

Air Pressure Buildup

When your HVAC system is installed, it is designed to heat and cool all rooms in your home. When you close vents, you are interrupting the airflow of the entire system.

When this happens, air pressure builds up and causes leaks, increased radon levels, and the potential for mold.

Decreased Efficiency

Because your system was designed for cooling the whole house, blocking vents causes the system to work even harder to keep up with set temperatures.

This puts extra strain and additional wear and tear on the entire system.

Higher Energy Costs

Because the HVAC system is working harder to try to keep temperatures regulated, it will put more strain on your system for longer periods of time.

The more your system runs and the harder it works, the more you’ll pay in energy bills.

Energy Saving Options

Instead of closing the vents, here are some better options for you and your HVAC system:

  • Keep all vents fully open or at the very least, a minimum of 25% open.
  • Keep as many interior doors as possible open.
  • Avoid drastic temperature changes, rather adopt a “set it and forget it” approach.
  • Keep AC running a few degrees higher during the day.
  • Use blinds or curtains to help keep the hot sun from heating things up.
  • Inspect and repair any leaks, tears, or damage to ducts to lower risks of mold and increased levels of radon and carbon monoxide.
  • Change your air filter regularly.

Conclusion

To stay as comfortable as possible, save on energy costs, and avoid costly repairs to your HVAC system, leave those vents open.

For HVAC service, repairs, and more solutions to increased energy efficiency, contact Dale HCS in Santa Rosa.