DIY Builds
Photo by Ruslan Alekso Pexels Logo Photo: Ruslan Alekso

Can closed vents cause mold?

May Cause Mold Growth A closed vent in an unused room can cause mold and mildew growth. Worse yet, those spores can then make their way into other parts of the house since the room isn't sealed airtight.

What is intarsia and marquetry?
What is intarsia and marquetry?

The technique of intarsia inlays sections of wood (at times with contrasting ivory or bone, or mother-of-pearl) within the solid wood matrix of...

Read More »
What is the most efficient roof shape?
What is the most efficient roof shape?

The dome shaped roof is increasing in popularity, in part because it offers a unique design, but also because it's durable, resistant to wind and...

Read More »

On its surface, the idea of closing AC vents in an unused room might make sense. Most people think that by closing a vent, air is then diverted to other open vents, helping to cool off occupied rooms faster. However, that's not quite the way it works. In fact, closing any vents connected to your HVAC system could actually cause a whole list of problems. Read on to find out why closing your vents is a bad idea and what you should be doing instead. Spoor's Heating & Air Conditioning offers AC services to help keep you the right temperature throughout the year. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Causes Temperature & Pressure Imbalance

Closing the vents in one room will make that room hotter than the rest of the home, which can seep through walls and flooring, actually making the rooms around it warmer as well. The air pressure in a room with closed vents will also decrease, meaning that air from the outside will have an easier time funneling through cracks and crevices around windows, doorways, or even in the foundation of that room. This imbalance can cause your AC unit to work harder, limiting its effectiveness.

Limits Airflow

Contrary to what most people think, closing the vents in a room doesn't divert that air to other rooms. What's actually happening is that air will leak from the ductwork, sending cool air into areas such as interior walls and attic spaces. This also makes it so that the air conditioning unit actually has to work harder and may even cause components to expire early, necessitating expensive and avoidable repairs.

Reduces Energy Efficiency

Because the air conditioning unit doesn't know whether or not vents are closed, it will continue to run until the temperature of your home meets the setting requirement. Even if the thermometer for the AC unit isn't in that room, the air that would have gone to that room is now being wasted through duct leaks, which may result in increased utility costs and wasted energy.

May Cause Mold Growth

Proper airflow throughout your home is important to stamp out mold growth. When air from your HVAC unit flows through the rooms of your home, it's helping to disperse moisture which is what mold and mildew need to thrive. A closed vent in an unused room can cause mold and mildew growth. Worse yet, those spores can then make their way into other parts of the house since the room isn't sealed airtight.

How To Actually Increase Airflow

Since ductwork is one of the biggest culprits in air loss, taking them out of the equation entirely is often a great option. Ductless mini splits allow homeowners to have direct control of temperature zones without the need for ducts. These types of units can even end up saving you money in the long run. Also, proper maintenance of any HVAC unit is a must. Even if just one component is out of whack, it can greatly reduce the efficiency of the whole thing.

How high above roof should a vent pipe be?
How high above roof should a vent pipe be?

The plumbing code requires plumbing vents to terminate at least 12″ above the surface of the roof to help prevent the vents from getting blocked...

Read More »
What supplies do homeless people need in winter?
What supplies do homeless people need in winter?

Six Essentials Homeless Shelters Need in the Winter Money. The flexibility of a monetary donation is what makes it so valuable. ... Socks. Many...

Read More »

Does B vent get hot?

It allows for a maximum rise on surface temps in the test structure of 90*F above ambient when the stabilized flue gases read 400*F above ambient for 1.5 hrs then 117*F after that.

Originally Posted by hearthman Originally Posted by

Is the listing standard for type B and BW venting. It allows for a maximum rise on surface temps in the test structure of 90*F above ambient when the stabilized flue gases read 400*F above ambient for 1.5 hrs then 117*F after that. The test structure for B-vent is 3/8" plywood while BW requires 3/4". Thermocouples are placed strategically all over the box and in the vent. Once the vent has reached equilibrium, measurements are taken at 4 circumferential points 48" off the floor inside the vent and on its outer jacket. There must be a min. 10*F temperature differential btw those readings. If the vent is listed for a zero clearance at any point to combustibles, the outer surface of that vent cannot rise more than 90*F above ambient.

HTH,

How do I keep my mobile home warm in the winter?
How do I keep my mobile home warm in the winter?

Plant evergreens outside of your home to act as a wind break. Make sure your furniture doesn't cover your heating vents. Stretch sheets of plastic...

Read More »
Is mesh or rebar better for concrete?
Is mesh or rebar better for concrete?

While rebar is suitable for use in any structure poured at any angle, wire mesh is only suitable for horizontal slabs. Wire mesh is generally...

Read More »
Are shed plans easy to follow?
Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »
Which colour gives positive vibes in home?
Which colour gives positive vibes in home?

Yellow Yellow is the colour of inspiration, happiness, and the sun (the power source of life). It also symbolises communication, self-esteem, and...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »
Is it cheaper to pour concrete or use cinder blocks?
Is it cheaper to pour concrete or use cinder blocks?

Is a poured concrete foundation cheaper than a block wall foundation? Usually, the cost of construction varies from place to place. But as a matter...

Read More »