Is it better to leave all vents open?

Closing vents will also increase your monthly utility bill as your HVAC struggles to keep up. If you want your HVAC at its most efficient its best to leave all vents open and to allow the proper flow of treated air.

frontrangehvac.com - You Should Never Close the Vents in Your Home

Can you run water pipes above ground?

Above-ground water systems have become a very popular tool to deliver clean water from reliable sources to pastures across South Dakota. Above-...

Last updated Dec 4, 2020

Should you stagger floating shelves?

How much space should be between floating shelves? We recommend spacing shelves 11 to 17 inches apart for visual flow and to give items on the...

Last updated Oct 24, 2021

Promotion

Look at the nearest air vent in your room. It most likely has adjustable fins that allow you to direct the flow of air in the room and you can use the adjusting level to shut off a vent almost entirely. The popular notion has always been to shut off vents in rooms that you use infrequently. The idea is that you don’t waste the treated air in that room and so you don’t have to cool or heat as much space. This simple change can save your utility bill, right? Wrong. Closing off vents is bad for your home, your home’s HVAC system, and bad for your wallet. Let’s find out why you should always keep every vent in the home open and how you can achieve the proper climate control you want.

Why You Should Never Close Vents in a Home

The theory behind closed vents makes sense on the surface. Since you’re not worried about that room warming or cooling, you’ll use less treated air to maintain the home, but that’s not how the modern HVAC system works. Your home’s HVAC works best when the air can flow freely. When you shut off the vents, you can increase the pressure in your ductwork which can back up into your HVAC and cause issues. The issues your HVAC experiences due to closed vents are like problems caused by dirty air filters including inadequate airflow, turning off and on frequently, and premature HVAC breakdown. Closing vents will also increase your monthly utility bill as your HVAC struggles to keep up. If you want your HVAC at its most efficient its best to leave all vents open and to allow the proper flow of treated air. If you understand this theory but still want a way to better control your home’s HVAC, you can invest in a targeted or zoned HVAC system. With these zoned systems, you can control the temperature of individuals rooms in your house, keep that never used office from sucking too much heat or keeping your bedroom cool during the summer. The premise behind closing your vents make sense on paper, but you know what they say about good intentions. Keep all vents open for an adequate airflow and efficiency and considered a zoned HVAC system if you want the ultimate control over your interior climate.

What can I lay over gravel?

What Types Of Flooring Can Be Installed Over Gravel? Portable Outdoor Tile. Ergo Matta Perforated Outdoor Tile. StayLock Tile Perforated Colors....

Last updated Jun 28, 2021

Can you put an AC unit in a shed?

If you are looking for an AC unit for a shed that is highly efficient, space-saving and doesn't require remodeling, a mini-split is a perfect...

Last updated Feb 18, 2021

Can I build my own shed?

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

Learn More »

Promotion

Can closed vents cause a fire?

Fire Hazard Perhaps the most obvious (and most dangerous) result of a blocked vent is that it will cause a fire.

bngheat.com - Air Vents: When It's Okay to Block Them - BNG Heating & Cooling

Our short and simple answer? Never.

Here’s why.

Increased Pressure

Your heating and cooling equipment was set up for your home’s specific square footage. When you close air vents or block them with furniture, the same amount of air is being pushed through your ventilation system but with increased pressure because of limited opportunities for air flow. Not only does it force your HVAC system to work harder—shortening its lifespan—but it also results in frozen air conditioning coils, overheated furnaces, cracked heat exchangers, and leaks in duct systems. Those issues come with both danger to your home AND big price tags for repairs.

Mold and Mildew

Because of humidity, moisture will collect behind the blocked vent, causing mold and mildew to not only fester, but to infect the air blowing through your entire house. This is a terrible scenario for any homeowner, but it can be especially dire for allergy and asthma sufferers. If you’re blocking the vents with upholstered furniture—say, the wall vent is right in the middle of the only wall suitable for your couch—you’re setting your couch up to be a mold and mildew nest. This possibility is not only limited to soft, upholstered furniture. Rugs are also a prime breeding ground for mold and mildew, as is wood furniture.

Fire Hazard

Perhaps the most obvious (and most dangerous) result of a blocked vent is that it will cause a fire. How? When you’re forcing your system to overwork, as mentioned in our first point, you put your furnace at high risk of setting on fire.

Worried that you’ve been overworking your system?

Call your friends at BNG Heating & Cooling to schedule an inspection or maintenance checkup. We’ll be able to spot any signs of trouble before they become expensive mistakes