Many people think that closing their HVAC registers in unused rooms saves energy and lowers heating and cooling costs. However, this practice can actually do more harm than good. If you have a central heating and cooling system, it’s important to keep your HVAC registers open, even in unoccupied rooms, because your HVAC system is designed for your entire home.
At Genuine Comfort, we’ve talked to many homeowners who close their vents in an effort to save money. We’re here to set the record straight with this blog, which will explain how closing registers can actually increase energy costs and place increased wear and tear on your HVAC system.
1. Your HVAC System Is Designed for Your Entire Home
To truly understand why it’s best to keep your HVAC registers open, you have to consider the fact that your HVAC system was made to heat or cool your entire home. Furnaces and air conditioners are sized based on the total square footage of the home and are designed to operate at peak efficiency when your registers are open.
When registers are closed, the airflow is restricted, which disrupts the system’s efficiency. Closing a vent doesn’t affect the amount of energy used — the system will continue to operate at full capacity, even if some registers are closed.
2. Closing Registers Can Increase Energy Costs
If you’ve been closing registers in certain rooms in an attempt to save money, you may want to reconsider. Your HVAC system relies on airflow to work properly, distributing heated or cooled air throughout your home. Closing vents reduces airflow, which means the system has to work harder to maintain a consistent temperature between all areas of your home.
The harder your HVAC system works, the more strain is placed on its components. This can lead to longer run times, increasing energy consumption. The additional workload can also contribute to higher utility bills over time, so it’s important to keep your HVAC registers open, even in storage rooms and basements.
3. Hot and Cold Spots Create Comfort Issues
The main purpose of your HVAC system is to keep your home comfortable year-round, no matter whether the temperature outside is frigid or sweltering. Closing vents in certain rooms can lead to temperature imbalances, with cold air from closed-off rooms drifting into adjacent areas, making it harder to maintain even heating or cooling.
For example, if you close the vents in your unused guest bedroom during the winter, the colder temperatures will infiltrate the hallway and spread throughout the home. These uneven temperatures can make some rooms uncomfortably hot or cold, reducing your family’s overall comfort. To avoid this, you should keep your HVAC registers open year-round.
4. Increased Wear and Tear on Your HVAC System
As we mentioned before, without proper airflow, the system is forced to work harder, potentially leading to extra wear and tear on system components. This additional strain can reduce the lifespan of your HVAC system, leading to costly repairs and even necessitating premature replacements.
When you keep your HVAC registers open, the system has the airflow it needs to operate efficiently, with each part working as it should. Less strain means less wear, which means the system lasts longer, saving you money in the long run on repairs and replacements.
Keep Your HVAC Registers Open to Save Money
Now that you know why you should avoid closing your HVAC registers, let’s explore other, more effective ways to save money by reducing your energy usage.
First, keep your HVAC registers open to maintain proper airflow and system efficiency. It may seem counterintuitive, but it can save you money over time.
Additionally, consider using a smart thermostat for better temperature control. These devices are designed to help you use energy more efficiently by analyzing your daily habits, assessing your needs, and giving you suggestions on how to optimize your HVAC system usage.
Finally, seek regular HVAC maintenance to keep your system running smoothly. Seasonal tune-ups allow your technician to thoroughly examine each component of your system, checking for signs of wear and catching small issues before they have the chance to become major malfunctions.
Keep Your HVAC System in Great Condition with Genuine Comfort
At Genuine Comfort, we’re dedicated to helping you keep your HVAC system in excellent condition with our outstanding HVAC services. Whether you need installation, repair, or tune-up services, we’re here for you. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you.
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