This Common
Home Heating Hack
Will Waste More Energy
(and money!)
Than It Saves
With the high cost of heating and cooling a home, it’s understandable to think that by closing off vents in some rooms, hot air will be redirected into the rooms with open vents. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way. Keep reading to learn why.
Don't Close Vents in Unused Rooms
The Pressure Problem
When the furnace kicks on, the blower forces hot air through the ductwork and out of the vents. When vents are closed, the air pressure builds up and increases the risk of duct leaks.
When supply vents are closed in a room, it creates negative air pressure, so the HVAC unit has more difficulty drawing in air. This results in the HVAC motor working harder to draw in the air necessary for recirculation.
The Heat Sink Effect
When one room in the house is colder than the others, it acts like a heat sink, drawing heat through walls, floors, or ceilings from adjacent heated rooms.
Reduced air circulation in rooms with closed vents increases the risk of mold and mildew growth, especially if the home is in a humid region.
Better Energy-Saving Options
- Use a space heater - Switch to a smart thermostat - Schedule an inspection
More on
The Top 10 Energy-Efficient States in 2022
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