Should You Be Partially Closing AC Vents to Save on Energy Bills?

Energy costs are continuing to rise. Because of this, homeowners are always looking for ways to save on their monthly utility bills. Some even go as far as employing simple methods like partially closing AC vents in an effort to lessen the cost of cool. That said, it seems pretty logical! You would think that closing the vents in unused rooms would reduce the workload on your system, but, in all actuality, partially closing AC vents can cause some potential harm to your HVAC system. You would be opening yourself up to some inefficiencies that can lead to expensive repair costs.

That’s why the Optimum Air Solutions team is here! We specialize in all things HVAC and have been serving the New Orleans area for decades, so we know a thing or two about efficiency when it comes to air conditioning. So, today, we’re diving into why closing conditioning vents might not be as effective as you think it is and a few ways to save on energy without risking the life of your HVAC system. 

How AC Vents Affect Airflow and Energy Use

If you want to truly understand why partially closing AC vents can cause you some serious problems, one of the biggest things to look at is how your HVAC system is designed to work. For those who are not aware, your HVAC system was designed to deliver an even and balanced airflow throughout your home, so when you close your air vents and disrupt the balance, your system will be more prone to issues.

Closing air conditioning vents will elevate the pressure in the ductwork. This pressure will force your system to work a lot harder to maintain the airflow. You don’t want any extra wear on certain elements in your system, especially the blower motor, which is what works diligently to push your air through your ducts. Not only are you risking an extra strain on your system, but it can also cause it to cycle on and off more frequently than it should, which, results in a higher energy consumption–thus, producing higher energy bills. So, before you think about closing air vents, understand that it will deliver the polar opposite to your solution.

Alternate Ways to Save on Energy Bills 

The goal of most homeowners when it comes to their cooling costs is saving money. Luckily, there are way better alternatives to closing air conditioning vents. If you’re one of the homeowners looking to lessen your energy consumption and protect your HVAC in the process, try these:

Regular HVAC Maintenance

It’s no secret that being proactive in your routine maintenance can save you a lot of money and quite a bit of heartache. If you want your HVAC to continue to run effectively, be sure to schedule regular check-ups with your trusted professional HVAC service provider. They’ll be able to catch and remedy any issues before they become bigger problems. Not to mention, your regular maintenance service will also include the changing of your air filters as well which also contribute to the reduction of your energy consumption.

Sealing Duct Leaks

If you have air leaks in your ducts, you are subjecting yourself to some seriously reduced performance efficiency. Any leaks found will allow the cool air to escape into the unconditioned space, which will, in turn, make your air conditioning system work harder. Make sure that any leaks are sealed so that your HVAC’s performance is maximized without the need to think about closing air conditioning vents.

Programmable Thermostats

Programmable thermostats can be your best friend when it comes to optimizing your cooling and lessening your energy consumption. Because these thermostats are programmable remotely, you are able to save energy by calibrating the temperature even when you’re away.

Hopefully, these tips will help put the idea of partially closing AC vents in an effort to save energy out of your head. We cannot stress enough that this action could pose some serious harm to your HVAC.

We understand that it might seem like a straightforward solution at first sight, but partially closing AC vents will have your energy bills skyrocketing and your HVAC struggling. If you’re a homeowner looking for reliable cooling solutions, the Optimum Air Solutions team has you covered. We specialize in all things HVAC and have been serving homeowners all across New Orleans for years.

Click here for a consultation with the team, and we’ll have you breathing easy in the Big Easy in no time!