Keeping a home at a comfortable temperature contributes to the power bills in most households. To protect their wallets, many homeowners try to limit the work their air conditioners have to do by closing the vents in unused rooms. While this idea makes sense in theory, it breaks down in practice for a number of reasons—some of which will have you calling for air conditioner repairs.

Increased Pressure

First of all, your air conditioner has no way to sense when vents are closed. It’s designed to output a certain volume of air, and when you close your vents, this volume of air is forced through a smaller number of exits. This increase in pressure can damage your AC unit or your vents, so you’ll need air conditioner repairs to get them back in working order.

An Ineffective Choice

Aside from raising the risk of air conditioner repairs, closing off vents is a bad idea for another reason: it’s ineffective. Air circulates freely through the home in most cases, so the rooms with blocked vents will still be cooled, albeit more slowly. Even if doors are closed, air will seep underneath, and heat is exchanged easily through interior walls that have no insulation. By closing off your vents, you may slow down the cooling of unused rooms, but there are much more effective ways to cut costs.

Superior Alternatives

If you want to lower your cooling bill, invest in the installation of an energy-efficient air conditioner and save in the long run. Regular air conditioning maintenance will also go a long way to keep your AC running efficiently, providing more cooling power for less energy. At the same time, you can beef up the insulation in your outer walls and roof, and reseal window and door frames to minimize outside airflow. This way, you’ll get the most cooling for your money.

If you’re looking for ways to lower your cooling costs, schedule air conditioner repair with Adco Heating & Air Conditioning in Cincinnati, OH. Their skilled technicians provide a full range of HVAC services including air conditioning and furnace installation and maintenance, as well as 24-hour emergency service. To get their qualified help, call them today at (513) 471-3390 or send a message online.