Many misconceptions about home ownership have developed over time. Some are carryovers from the past and don’t account for our modern and more sophisticated heating and cooling systems. Closing air vents in one part of the house or in a room may seem like a good way to manage the conditioned air in your home, but you may potentially damage your HVAC system. The professionals at HomePro Inspections offer the following information for you to consider before you change the air distribution in your home by closing air vents.
An air vent located on the floor
What are air vents for?
Your home may have air vents in various places. Some may be located on the floor or near the ceiling. Regardless of where they are located, they are there to supply air to the rooms in your home.
Adequate air circulation throughout your home plays a big part in managing your home's moisture and humidity levels during the hot and humid summer. Keeping your air vents open as designed is key to allowing your HVAC system to work efficiently and as intended.
Can closing your vents cause damage?
It's not a good idea to try to control air flow in your home by closing air vents. Creating an imbalance can have unintended consequences and damage your HVAC system.
Damage to AC cooling coils—Restricting airflow by closing your vents will back up cold air in the air duct system, which may cause your air conditioning coils to freeze and damage your A/C system.
Damage to ductwork—Pressure can build up in your ductwork and prevent proper airflow. Static pressures may result in leaks and openings in your ductwork. Leaks prevent conditioned air from getting to where you want it to go.
Reduced energy efficiency—Closed vents cause air pressure to buildup, which can redirect airflow to other parts of your home. Conditioned air that leaks into spaces like attics and crawlspaces wastes energy and reduces efficiency.
Carbon Monoxide—Pressure and heat build-up during the heating season could cause a cracked heat exchanger, which can leak carbon monoxide into your home.
As home inspectors, we encounter some of these scenarios during a home inspection. A story I share with my clients helps to illustrate how closing events can be a problem.
When inspecting the home, I occasionally walk into the basement and notice it is cold, damp, or musty-smelling, and the air feels thick with humidity. During the summer, when it is humid, that cold air will hold a lot of moisture. Closing the basement vents prevents the air from circulating through the air conditioning system, causing the air to stagnate. Since cold air is denser than warm air, it has to find its way upstairs and into an air return on the main floor, which is difficult and very inefficient.
People close vents in the basement because they feel it is too cold, and they don't need the air conditioning downstairs as much as they do upstairs. Closing the vents, however, can create other problems. High humidity can lead to potential organic growth, such as mildew or mold. Carpeting and other surfaces in the basement will feel damp and uncomfortable.
Summary
Your HVAC system is designed to provide conditioned air throughout the home, and altering that flow can lead to issues and potential problems. If you are experiencing areas of discomfort in your home, it may be best to contact a professional to check the HVAC system and ensure it is running properly and moving air efficiently throughout the entire house.
At HomePro Inspections, our home inspectors are trained to inspect all areas of the home. Any issues found are documented in your home inspection report and recommended for resolution by yourself or a qualified professional.
Visit our website to learn more or to schedule your home inspection in the Rochester, Owatonna, and Faribault, MN areas. You can contact us today at (507) 202-8942 or by email, and you can use our convenient online “Schedule Now” feature to schedule an appointment.