Many residents in Buda, Texas, think closing the vents in unused rooms will save energy. But did you know that the opposite is true? There are many issues caused by keeping air vents closed, including the possibility that you might damage your HVAC system. Here are a few problems related to closed air vents that we like to warn our customers about.
System Damage
Studies show that closing too many registers in the home restricts airflow to the point that the system’s coils freeze, which damages the compressor. If you damage the compressor, you’ll need to repair or replace it before your system experiences peak operating efficiency again.
In some cases, your HVAC system might stop working due to the damage. As a result, your family will feel uncomfortable while waiting for an emergency HVAC repair service.
Bursted Ducts
As if a damaged system isn’t bad enough, closed air vents can cause ductwork to leak or burst. The average home already loses about 20 to 30 percent of air through minuscule leaks and poor connections in the ductwork. But when you close the registers in unused rooms, the pressure builds and turns those small leaks into big problems.
Busted ducts divert air from your living space and send it where you don’t want it – outside, in the attic or to a crawl space. If you want to enjoy the appropriate amount of heating and cooling your family is used to, you want to go easy on your ducts. Open those registers and have your ducts properly maintained along with the rest of your HVAC system.
Lost Efficiency
You probably purchased your air conditioner or heater after comparing all the options and chose the most efficient model for your budget, so why risk its efficiency? Your HVAC system is sized to perfectly condition your home’s space. Closing the vents doesn’t do it any favors.
In fact, instead of helping the air conditioner cool less, closed registers force the same amount of air through other ducts. This builds pressure in the system and makes your HVAC system work harder to distribute the air where you need it.
When your system works overtime, you aren’t saving any money. In fact, you’re probably paying more and running the system into the ground, requiring you to shell out extra cash for a new HVAC much sooner than you were expecting.
Carbon Monoxide
All of the above issues are nuisances both to your family’s comfort level and your pocketbook, but the risk of carbon monoxide is no joke. When you close the air vents in unused rooms, it’s much easier for the heat exchanger to crack, which can release deadly carbon monoxide into the home.
Carbon monoxide is a tasteless, colorless and odorless gas that’s undetectable to humans. When inhaled, it displaces the oxygen in the blood and deprives the brain, heart and other organs of much-needed oxygen. The gas can overcome you in moments without warning. Make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector installed in your home, and keep those air vents open.
Microbial Growth Growth
When you close any of your HVAC system’s registers, condensation occurs due to lower surface temperatures in those unused rooms. The result is mildew and microbial growth growth, which you’ll likely smell before you spot it.
While microbial growth is a nuisance, it’s typically easy to control in the home. However, when it’s lurking behind air vents inside the ductwork, your only option is to call in the professionals. Keeping those air vents open will help things stay nice and dry. As a result, you’ll prevent moisture build-up and unhealthy microbial growth spores from plaguing your family.
Closing air vents in unused rooms may seem like a no-brainer, but trust the experts. You want those vents wide open to allow your HVAC system the freedom to operate freely. If you’re already experiencing issues resulting from closed registers, call Woods Comfort Systems at 512-842-5066. Our HVAC service technicians will quickly address the problem and repair your system right away.
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