In a typical home, an HVAC system often makes up half of the total energy expenditure. When there is an empty room in your house, it seems logical that the vents should also be closed, right? WRONG! Doing so does not actually reduces energy consumption.
WHAT MOST PEOPLE THINK
If you analyze the situation, closing the vents looks like the logical thing to do. When the vents and doors are closed, it will seem to free the HVAC system to provide heating and cooling in other parts of the house. If you look at the picture, it seems to make sense since it means less work for your HVAC system. Surprisingly though, a study made by the Lawrence Berkley National Library in 2003 showed that closing the vents in unused rooms could actually increase energy consumption.
WHY YOU DON’T NEED TO CLOSE THE VENTS
An HVAC system vent usually comprise of the return side where ordinary grilles can be seen and the supply side where there are also grilles but has louvres added to it. Usually, the supply side’s louvres can be open and closed, thus, a lever is found. The return side is where air from the room returns to the HVAC system and gets conditioned. It then gets blown back to the room through the supply side. Due to the adjustable function of the supply side, many people assume that it helps increase energy efficiency.
However, HVAC systems are designed to blow conditioned air out of the supply side. The pressurized air is maintained at a certain range. Closing a vent will increase the pressure furthermore. This will cause the motor to work hard in order to maintain proper airflow. As a result, energy efficiency is lost. In a fixed capacity heating system, less heat exchange happens once the airflow reduces. Another effect would be leaking ducts if not properly insulated.
HEATING REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE
In case you are looking for services for your HVAC system due to pressure buildup (e.g. heater replacement or ductwork) contact First Class HVAC at (302) 804-1309 or (302) 213-8396.
We do various HVAC services in Delaware such as the following – Dover heater replacement, Bethany Beach heater replacement, Fenwick Island heater replacement, Lewes heater replacement, Middletown heater replacement, Milford heater replacement, Milton heater replacement, Rehoboth Beach heater replacement, Bethany Beach heating installation, Dover heating installation, Fenwick Island heating installation, Lewes heating installation, Middletown heating installation, Milford heating installation, Milton heating installation, Rehoboth Beach heating installation, Bethany Beach heating maintenance, Dover heating maintenance, Fenwick Island heating maintenance, Lewes heating maintenance, Middletown heating maintenance, Milford heating maintenance, Milton heating maintenance, and Rehoboth Beach heating maintenance.