Mont Vernon Homeowner Has Questions

It can be tempting to seal off unused rooms to save on heating or cooling costs. However, closing vents and sealing off a room can cause your HVAC unit to work harder. Closing off vents increases the pressure in your home’s duct system. Doing this for a short time will not damage the unit, but over time this increased pressure can shorten the life of your heating and cooling unit. The system will have to work harder to maintain a steady temperature for the rest of the house. This uses more energy, reducing the unit’s efficiency and costing you money.

A homeowner in Mont Vernon was looking for ways to reduce her home’s energy bill. With several rooms in the home that were not in use, she thought it would be best to seal off these rooms to save on heating and cooling expenses.

Pressure in the Vents Can Damage Your HVAC Unit

Closing air vents in rooms increases pressure throughout the ductwork. This build-up of air pressure can cause the air to stop flowing or to become restricted. When done for an extended period, this can cause leaks in the HVAC unit or make existing leaks worse. This can also have the opposite of the intended effect, causing the unit to use even more energy to heat or cool the home.

Effective Ways to Save on Heating and Cooling Costs

A better way to save on heating and cooling expenses is by using a programmable thermostat. When the home is empty, or at night, you can adjust the temperature a few degrees. This will not affect anyone’s comfort level and can save on energy costs. You will also want to make sure the home is well insulated. Drafty areas near doors or windows can cause the warm or cool air to escape, while letting outside air in. Caulking and addressing these areas can go a long way to reducing your energy consumption.

The homeowner in Mont Vernon was surprised to learn about the damage that the practice of closing off rooms can do to her HVAC unit. She has instead opted to invest in a programmable thermostat to reduce her energy costs.

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