Will Closing Air Vents Save Me Money?
Closing air vents in your home is not the best way to save energy, it really does more harm than good.
A common train of thought for homeowners looking to save on heating and cooling costs is that closing air vents in unoccupied areas of their home will result in cost savings. While this might seem like a simple way to save money, it often leads to the opposite result.
What Actually Happens When You Close Air Vents
Your home’s HVAC system pulls air out from the return ducts and pumps it back into your home through the supply vents. By blocking off a supply vent it will only redirect the airflow to other parts of the duct system.
As a result, the internal pressure is raised within the air vents. This is problematic as the increased pressure can create leakage issues by allowing more air to escape through holes or cracks in the vents. The increased pressure can even make the air leaks larger.
How Closing Air Vents Harms Your HVAC System
Built up air pressure in your HVAC system can create permanent damage by worsening already existing leakages. Not to mention, a crack in your heat exchanger from the built-up pressure can result in a carbon monoxide leak in your home. Carbon monoxide leaks can lead to CO poisoning, illness, and even death.
Energy Saving Tips
Instead of closing air vents to save on energy, try these tips instead:
- Set up a programmable thermostat that can automatically adjust the temperature at set points throughout the day. For example, set it lower at nighttime and climb to a higher temperature just before you wake.
- Regular maintenance of your HVAC system is the top way to save energy. Change your air filters, check for air leaks, and ensure proper airflow to avoid needless energy consumption.
- Don’t set your thermostat too high in the winter or too low in the summer. Try setting your thermostat to 20 degrees Celsius in the winter and to 25 degrees Celsius in the summer. Stay comfy and save!
- Seal air leaks around windows, doors, and vents to improve your system’s efficiency.
- Upgrading your home’s insulation is a great way to reduce your home’s energy consumption.
If you are looking for more information on energy-saving HVAC solutions, don’t hesitate to contact our team of heating and cooling professionals. DeMark Home Ontario would be happy to help you find the perfect heating and cooling solution for your home that maximizes both comfort and savings. We carry top-of-the-line energy-efficient equipment in heat pumps, furnaces, air conditioners, water heaters, and tankless units. Our highly trained and experienced technicians are more than prepared to assist you with any of your HVAC problems. Give us a call today at 647-847-2998 or fill out our online request form and we will be happy to assist you with your request.
