Is it okay to shut the vents off?
They are necessary for a house in any season to balance the proper airflow. As we don’t use some rooms and the basement frequently, we just worry whether the vents should be closed.
So, does shutting off vents help in summer?
Yes, shutting off vents helps in summer by reducing electricity costs and cooling expenses. But closing all vents or close them continuously it not a great idea as it will cost you more.
However, there are many other facts that you should consider. Take the journey with us to know more all the exciting facts about them.
Why Should You Close Vents in Summer?
Without any doubt, we all agree summer is the time when our expenses including the electricity bill skyrockets. We always pay for the unused rooms or the basement as they have vents which is totally meaningless.
How about closing the vents of these unused rooms or the basement to get less electricity bills.? You know that vents need power flow to run. Without power it won’t cost you any bucks.
When you close them for a couple of weeks or a month, you will see a difference in the electricity bill. Moreover, closing them in a proper way does not affect anything.
However, keep in mind to open them three to four times a month. Apart from that, do not close all the vents in a room or basement. Keep 25% of the total vents open to balance the airflow.
How to Shut Off Vents in the Basement?
Most of us do not use the basement often. Therefore, we often stumble to shut off the vents in the basement. Believe us, we do not need any professional, a simple guidelines is all you need.
So, how do you shut off vents in the basement? Is it that simple?
At first, you can shut off vents in the basement by adjusting the dial and the switch. You need to apply this to circular vents, square vents, rectangular vents, and covered vents. Nothing more!
Still confused. Then let’s take you to the elaborated section.
1. Circular Vents
Circular vents have a unique dial to maintain their opening or closing. The dial follows the clockwise rotation.
So, after stepping on the ladder, try to touch the dial. Next, rotate it counterclockwise or opposite of its rotation. Finally, the vents are closed.
2. Square Vents
Square vents can use a dial system or a switch to shut them off or on. So, similar to before, use the ladder and step on cautiously.
If your square vents have a dial, you can follow the circular vents closing method. Just rotate the dial to the opposite to close the vents.
In case your square vents came with a switch, you need to adjust it to a lower level till the vents close properly. Both systems are easier to operate.
3. Rectangular Vents
To shut off rectangular vents, you need to reach its switch. Again, you need to take the ladder, friend.
As you reach it, you need to adjust the switch to a lower level. It is quite similar to the square vents. You see the results immediately after doing it.
4. Covered Vents
Some vents are covered to keep it safe. As a result, you may not find the dial or the switch. Fortunately, this method is also easy and quick.
Like other methods, a ladder is required to climb to the vents. Afterwards, remove the vents’ cover carefully. If the cover is screwed, use a screwdriver to lose it.
Next, adjust the dial or switch to a lower level to shut off the vents. At last, use an insulation sheet to cover the vents like before.
Which Vents Should Be Shut Off in Summer?
First, you need to know if your basement or unused rooms have enough vents or not. It is because you need to keep at least 25% of the total vents open for this.
Therefore, you need to check the total vents number and what type of vents the basement has.
We have presented two steps that will help you to detect which vents should be shut off in summer.
Follow them to clear your worries.
Step 1: Estimate the Vents Number
Experts say that there should be 2 vents in a room of 100 square feet. Now, here you go. Estimate and count your basement or room size to see whether there are enough vents. Then, shut off 70% to 75% of the vents.
Step 2: Type of Vents
If your basement or rooms have both air return and air supply vents, then you may need to more works to do dear.
As air return vents are known for their large size, these are used for forcing the air to get inside. So definitely, you can use air supply vents to get the air out.
Air supply vents are used for getting the air out from rooms or the basement. No doubt, both of these are essential.
If your basement has both of these, try to let each vent open from both of them. Then, the rooms or basement’s airflow will stay balanced while other vents are shut off.
3 Things to Take Care of After Shutting Off Vents
Your mission will be accomplished if you take care of three things after shutting off the vents. Otherwise, the closed vents won’t help you much.
But what are those three magical things. Let’s us break that down to you.
1. Air Coils
After closing the vents, the temperature drops down due to less airflow in the basement. It will affect the air coils and turn them frozen.
So, you need to check the air coils once a week. You can easily do it while opening the vents once a week.
2. Leakage
If your HVAC is not working properly or putting a lot of pressure to operate, the closed vents may have leakages. As a result, HVAC tries to balance the temperature.
Therefore, checking the closed vents after the shutting-off process is helpful to prevent such situations. If there is any leakage, do not delay shutting off the vents thoroughly.
3. Ventilation
For a basement or room with closed vents, ventilation is necessary. If the basement has windows, natural ventilation can be assured. All you need to do is open the windows twice or thrice a week.
Some basements lack windows. What can you do now? No worries. You can install an exhaust ventilation fan to provide fresh air from the outside. Moreover, it will pull out the air from the basement making things easier for you.
Why Should I Open Vents When the AC is On?
Answer: You should open vents when the AC is on to avoid much air pressure in the room. We know that closed vents can not let the air go outside the room. As a result, the AC will have to put more pressure to operate. Thus, it can be harmed.
What to Do with Vents in Unused Rooms?
Answer: Keep the vents open in unused rooms to prevent your AC from any damage. It is because when the vents are closed, the room temperature can be fatal to the furnace or HVAC system.
Should I Shut Off the Vents on the Main Floor?
Answer: No, you do not need to shut off vents on the main floor. It is because shutting off vents can cause inconsistency in the airflow of the floor. Experts suggest closing a few vents and opening them once a week.
When Should House Vents be Closed?
Answer: House vents should be closed when summer hits with unbearable humidity and the air of the outside feels like a torture of heat. Closing the vents will ensure this air won’t come inside.
Final Thoughts
Overall this clear all the doubt off the HVAC problems. Now you know the answer of the common question – “does shutting off vents help in summer?’
We are sure that you are satisfied with the answer as it was detailed with information. However, we assure you that you will get success while following the easy methods.
If this proves promising to you, why not share it with us. We would feel luckiest for this.
So, goodbye friends. See you soon!
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