Air vents are an important part of your home’s heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) system. All centralized HVAC systems have air vents.
When running the AC or heat, air will flow into and out of the vents. While closing some of the air vents may sound harmless, though, it can pose several problems.
Duct Leaks
Closed air vents can lead to duct leaks. Ducts are the passages that carry conditioned air to your home’s rooms and spaces.
Your HVAC system will warm or cool the air, after which the conditioned air will travel through the ducts before being expelled out the supply vents.
If the supply vents are closed, pressure will build up inside the ducts, potentially causing it to rupture and leak.
Uneven Temperatures
You may notice uneven temperatures inside your home if you close the air vents.
During the summer, the rooms or spaces with closed air vents may feel noticeably warmer than those with open vents. During the winter, conversely, these rooms or spaces may feel cooler. For consistent indoor temperatures, you need to keep all of the air vents open.
Increased Wear and Tear
Another problem posed by closed air vents is increased wear and tear on your HVAC system. AC compressors are especially prone to wear and tear attributed to closed air vents.
With the air vents closed, ice may form on one or both of the AC coils. The presence of this ice will force the compressor to work harder as it attempts to circulate refrigerant.
Lower Efficiency
Your HVAC system will become less efficient if the air vents are closed.
Some homeowners close the air vents in their unoccupied rooms, believing it will save them money on utility expenses. In reality, closed air vents will contribute to higher utility expenses by reducing your HVAC system’s efficiency.
You’ll have to run the AC or furnace for longer if the air vents are closed. And the longer either of these systems run, the more energy they’ll consume.
In Conclusion
Most supply vents are adjustable. You can either open or close them by adjusting them.
While closing just one or two air vents shouldn’t cause any ill effects, it’s best to keep most of the air vents opened.
Closed air vents can lead to duct leaks, uneven temperatures, increased wear and tear and lower efficiency.
If you are experiencing a problem with your air conditioning or heating call us at 512-336-1431 to schedule an appointment. We’ll be glad to come out and take a look at the issue.
1431-183 A/C & Heating proudly serves Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Leander, Liberty Hill, and North Austin.
During the summer, the rooms or spaces with closed air vents may feel noticeably warmer than those with open vents. During the winter, conversely, these rooms or spaces may feel cooler. For consistent indoor temperatures, you need to keep all of the air vents open.