Should My Unused HVAC Vents Be Closed?

During the summer, especially in Niceville and the surrounding areas, everyone’s looking for tips and tricks to save money on cooling their home.  At Gulfshore Air, we are always asked, “Does it save money to close the air vents in rooms I don’t use?”

This seems like it would make sense. Closing vents should just lessen the amount of cooled air your unit has to circulate into your home, right? Well, not exactly.

How Your HVAC System Works

When Professional HVAC installers strategically put in new systems so that they’re balanced throughout your home. When you shut vents in your home, you’re throwing off that balance. The air conditioning in your entire house can be altered because of a single closed vent.

Why You Shouldn’t Close Your Vents

Closed vents can cause pressure to build in your ducts. This pressure eventually causes small leaks, leaking air into parts of your home you don’t want (like your attic!). This pressure buildup forces the unit to work harder to distribute the same amount of cooled air throughout your home. The leaks can also cause long term damage if not tended to.

What’s the Lesson?

Leave your vents open! Ultimately, your AC system will work more efficiently (and save you more money) if all your vents are open and flowing. And if you still think your energy bills are too high? Contact us at Gulfshore Air! We’re happy to perform an extensive evaluation of your entire HVAC system…it might be time for a tune-up. 850-897-6540 or visit www.gulfshoreair.com