It makes sense to think you can save on heating and cooling costs by closing vents in guest bedrooms or other spaces you rarely use. However, this action can have the opposite effect. In addition, you may need attention from a professional HVAC company to repair issues that arise from closed vents. Here’s a closer look at the potential problems with this approach.

Why You Should Keep All Your Vents Open

1. Frozen Coils

The fewer vents that are open throughout your home, the less air circulates throughout your system. Airflow is essential for keeping the evaporator coils warm enough to operate. When not enough is present, the coils can freeze and cause refrigerant to flow back into the condenser unit, which can cause significant damage, such as a leak or compressor failure.

2. Loss of Efficiency

When you close a vent, your system still tries to push air in that direction. This creates extra pressure in the ductwork, which can create leaks in the duct panels.

This makes it harder to distribute air evenly throughout your home, so your AC and furnace will have to work even harder to get the space to your ideal temperature. Additionally, your system still circulates the same amount of air regardless of how many vents are open, so the assumed energy-saving benefits aren’t particularly viable in the first place.

3. Mold Growth

If some rooms aren’t receiving warm or cool air, it creates a temperature discrepancy that can lead to extra condensation around your air ducts. This extra moisture creates an environment that’s ideal for mold and mildew to develop. Those spores can then travel throughout your ventilation system, clog the air filter, and lead to respiratory irritation for those who deal with asthma or allergy symptoms.

If you’re looking for an HVAC company to help you with any of these issues, contact Ogeechee Heating & Air in Claxton, GA. These residential and commercial heating contractors provide HVAC repairs, maintenance, and installations for homeowners and businesses throughout southeast Georgia. The family-owned and -operated business is known for providing personal service with a team that has more than 40 years of experience. Visit the website to see a full list of services. To request an estimate, call the HVAC company at (912) 739-4035.