InVENTive Ways to Lower Energy Bills Without Closing Vents

My heating bill is what?! Please tell me that’s a phone number and not how much I owe… With the kids at college, their rooms sit unused. Maybe If I close the vents in their rooms I can save on my bill?

Why you shouldn’t close vents:

Closing vents will waste energy- As the warm air from the furnace tries to come out of the closed vents, it is stopped by the vent cover. Instead, it will leak out back into floor cavities or into the basement. Your energy cost will be the same, but you’ll be heating your attic or crawlspace.  The buildup of pressure can also cause a leaky piece of ductwork to burst completely. The average homeowner loses 20-30% of the heat they pay for because of duct leakage. By covering a vent you’ll increase the pressure in the HVAC system and lose more heat through these common leaks.

It can damage your home- Furnaces are installed based on square footage. If you begin taking away from the square footage your furnace is heating the furnace will need to work harder to pump heat.

What you should do instead:

Change your filter often- A filter that is dirty doesn’t allow for optimal airflow. Take out the filter and look for signs of dirt and debris. If you can’t see light through it, it should be replaced. A typical filter lasts 60-90 days but can last up to one year depending on the conditions of the home.

Clean registers- vacuum out any debris that accumulates in your registers. This debris can obstruct the airflow. 

Replace with high-efficiency equipment- Any system with ENERGY STAR will be most efficient. If your system is more than a decade old, it may be time to replace. Though the upfront cost may be a bit much, the new HVAC system will pay for itself in just a few Washington winters.

If you’re looking for ways to save energy don’t close your vents, click here for safe effective tips. 

When it comes time to service your Heating, ventilation, and air condition (HVAC) system, trust the professionals at Sturm Heating & Air Conditioning.  We’ve been serving the Spokane, Washington and Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho and surrounding areas since 1945. We service all brands, but we specialize in Trane, Amanda, Mitsubishi, Rheem, Ruud, Daikin, and Honeywell. To set an appointment, give us a call at (509) 325-4505.