As cooler temperatures return to Northern Michigan, many homeowners look for ways to save on energy bills. One common question we get is – “Is it Ok to Close Vents in Unused Rooms?” The idea is to close the vents in rooms you don’t use — like guest bedrooms, basements, or storage areas. It seems logical: why heat or cool a room you’re not using?
But here’s the truth: closing vents can actually cause more harm than good to your HVAC system — and may even increase your energy bills.
Why You Shouldn’t Close Vents
Your heating and cooling system is carefully designed to distribute air evenly throughout your entire home. When you close vents, you upset that balance and create problems that can impact both comfort and efficiency:
- Invites cold air into your home: Interior walls are not insulated, so closing vents can pull cold air into nearby living spaces.
- Restricts airflow: Your furnace is sized assuming all vents are open. Closing them reduces airflow and forces the blower motor to work harder.
- Increases wear and tear: Added static pressure inside the ductwork can shorten the life of your equipment.
- Causes duct leaks: Over time, extra pressure can loosen duct seams, wasting energy as conditioned air escapes into crawl spaces or attics.
- Creates inconsistent comfort: Instead of saving energy, you may end up with hot or cold spots in other areas of the home.
What to Do Instead
If you want to save energy and improve comfort, there are better solutions than shutting vents:
- Change your air filter regularly: A clean filter keeps airflow strong and efficient.
- Schedule preventative maintenance: Annual tune-ups help your system run safely and at peak performance.
- Seal leaks and insulate: Tightening up your home and sealing ducts reduce energy loss.
- Use a programmable or smart thermostat: Adjust the temperature when you’re away rather than restricting airflow.
Thinking Long-Term? Consider Zoned HVAC Systems
If you want more control over different parts of your home, a zoned HVAC system may be worth exploring. These systems use smart dampers and thermostats to independently manage temperatures across multiple areas without putting strain on your equipment.
Pro tip: If you’re regulating temperatures across different zones, avoid drastic differences between them. Large temperature gaps can stress the system and reduce overall comfort.
We’re Here to Help
At Team Bob’s, we help homeowners make smart choices that keep their homes comfortable and efficient — all year long. If you have questions about airflow, comfort, or system performance, our technicians are here to help.
Call us today at (231) 941-4064.
