Why You Shouldn't Cover Your Air Vents
Tori Klein • October 11, 2021
True or False: Covering your air vents is a great way to reroute air to other spaces in your house.
False! This is the common suggestion individuals have when trying to save power with their heating and cooling system, however, there are a variety of factors that actually indicate that you should not cover your air vents. As a homeowner, you have a variety of different household expenses. In between utilities, real estate tax, as well as the expense of your kids' after-school activities, we would certainly be shocked if you really did not look for different ways that might save you a couple of dollars here and there. It’s good to remember that not all advice is correct, because you may hear that closing air vents in unused areas can reduce your power expenses. That's simply not true. Our suggestions right now? Quit covering your air vents.
You can adjust the air circulation.
Just because you cover the air vent, it doesn't indicate your HVAC system knows that. It will certainly continue to release air to those vents, and also if they're closed, you might cause a buildup of atmospheric pressure and not enough air movement which can damage your system.
When you cover your air vents, only you know it. Your cooling and heating system can't know or register that the vents are covered, so air will still be pumped to that vent. Now, if the air is being pumped to an area, but the return air vent isn't able to pull the air out of that exact same area, the airflow in your system is going to be thrown off.
You might harm the heat exchanger.
When there’s a build up of air that causes stress on the system which reduces airflow and can create issues with your heat exchanger, causing it to split and also lead to carbon monoxide exhausts.
When air can not move effectively, a pressure buildup can get created inside your air ducts and also your HVAC device. This will inevitably produce less airflow as well as cause your heat exchanger to split which will certainly enable carbon monoxide gas to leak into your residence.
You might create mold and mildew.
A blocked air vent can permit mold or mildew to develop in and around your vents and ductwork if you reside in a humid location.
You can be wasting money on utility costs.
You most likely thought covering your air vents would certainly save you energy, but it does the opposite. Considering that this could damage your cooling and heating system, fractures and other damage could allow air to leave your air ducts and cost you much more in energy bills.
That pressure buildup can cause greater pressure on your warmth exchanger and cause it to crack. It can likewise trigger your air ducts to split as well as create leaks. If your ducts have leaks, after that happens the air will certainly escape and trigger your HVAC system to function harder to heat or cool down a space, ultimately squandering power and increasing your energy expenses.
Remember that air ducts aren't closed or covered on purpose. Make sure to check that curtains, rugs, or furniture aren't blocking any duct in your home. If something is blocking the airflow, be sure to relocate it so the air can flow properly.
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