For many Maryland homeowners, saving on heating in Bethesda is a top priority. Furnaces can use a significant amount of gas or electricity, especially if they are warming more space than necessary. It can be tempting to close air vents to non-used rooms to lower the monthly bill, but it is unclear whether this tactic works. Here, readers can learn whether they can save money by closing heating vents in empty rooms.
Why It Should Work
Closing the air vents in a room that’s not using can seem like a good way to increase the home’s energy efficiency. With the vents shut and the door closed, no heat should go into the room, and the HVAC system is free to warm the rest of the house. This idea makes sense at first glance, but a 2003 study cited by the Consumer Energy Center found that it actually increases energy use.
Why it Wastes Energy
Because rooms have cold air returns in addition to heating vents, closing the vents does not keep air from moving. Just like closing a door to inhibit air flow, closing a vent negatively affects the home’s overall energy efficiency. It creates more pressure in the closed room, which forces the return air duct to pull cold air through cracks in doors and windows. Therefore, the homeowner still pays the cost of heat, but in places they can’t use. In short, closing the vents can lower the heater’s efficiency and shorten its lifespan.
Energy Efficient, Money Saving Choices
If a homeowner wants to seal a room that does not need much heat, they should contact a local HVAC installer. Closing ducts and adjusting the furnace should be done by the experts at Accel Heating and Cooling, and alterations made by the homeowner aren’t covered by the warranty. A furnace upgrade can improve the efficiency of the system by 20% or more. While there’s a significant installation cost, efficient units can result in lower energy bills.
While many people believe they can save money on monthly heating in Bethesda by closing vents in unused rooms, this can result in higher energy usage and system damage. By upgrading the furnace and having regular maintenance, the homeowner can save money while only using the heating where it’s needed.
