One of the first things many homeowners will try to reduce their home’s energy costs during the summer is to cut back on using their air conditioner by closing vents in unused rooms. However, if you do this, you may be surprised to hear that you are not really saving any money. In fact, you may be increasing your energy costs and jeopardizing the health of your air conditioning system.
Disrupting the Balance of Airflow
If your air conditioning system has been properly installed, it is balanced. This means that the ductwork in your home was sized to allow the same volume of air that goes into your air conditioner to come out of the system. By shutting some of your vents, you are upsetting the balance of airflow in your air conditioning system.
Damage to Your Ductwork
Air pressure builds up in your ducts when the vents are closed. This pressure can cause tiny cracks or holes in your ductwork to become larger. When this happens, the cooled air will escape into areas such as your attic, basement or crawl-space where your ductwork runs through and not reach the areas you want to cool.
Your Air Conditioner Becomes Less Efficient
The increase in air pressure caused from closing your vents will force your air conditioner to work harder to deliver cooled air throughout your home. Additionally, your system will run longer than it normally would because it is putting out less cool air and thus continually taking in more warm air. This means added wear and tear to your system.
Contact Paschal Heat, Air & Geothermal to learn about better ways to keep your home cool and decrease your home’s cooling costs.
While it may seem like a good idea, think twice before closing those vents.
479.900.0784
