Expertly Curious

Many Texas homeowners believe closing vents in unused spaces is an efficient way to minimize energy use. After all, there’s no point in letting air flow into the guest room when no one is staying there, right?

Unfortunately, adjusting HVAC vents isn’t as straightforward as it seems. Making the wrong move could cause energy bills to skyrocket in your home.

The Danger of Closed Vents

Closing vents in your home isn’t an efficient way to manage airflow. Your HVAC system is designed to send a certain amount of air through the house, based on its square footage. It will continue blowing the same amount of air, whether your vents are open or closed.

If you close too many vents, air pressure will build up in the ductwork. This causes your HVAC system to work harder than necessary at getting air through to the house.

A room with closed vents and a closed door will also have a pressure difference. It will suck air in around the doors and windows as best it can, diminishing your energy efficiency and possibly impacting your home comfort by creating uneven hot and cold spots.

Closing Off Rooms Safely

If you feel strongly about maintaining different temperatures in various parts of the house, the best option is to install a zoned heating or air conditioning system.

This features multi-stage systems, variable speed blowers, and multiple thermostats that will efficiently manage airflow and temperatures throughout the house.

Positioning Your Vents Properly

The best option with any ducted heating and cooling system is to keep your vents open at all times. This allows optimal airflow for the highest possible energy efficiency.

If you want to direct air away from a wall or corner, you can adjust the fins so they’re slightly slanted toward the room you’re in. Avoid closing the vents entirely.

If you’re not getting the heating or cooling you want, simply adjusting the vents may not offer the dramatic results you’re after.

Call Willard Cooling, Heating, Plumbing, & Electrical at 972-564-9785  to explore more effective HVAC options in Texas.

Image provided by Shutterstock