Think closing rooms to save energy is a good idea? Think again. Even though closing one or more rooms will reduce the total space your furnace or heat pump has to keep warm, it will cause other problems, and probably cost you more money than you would have spent on heating otherwise.
- Why it probably won’t work: While it seems reasonable that closing rooms to save energy is a viable option as the heat will circulate into the rest of the house where it’s needed, it doesn’t work that way. The rooms in your house usually feature cold-air returns in addition to heating vents, so closing doors and shutting vents isn’t going to stop air movement. Instead, pressure will drop in the shut-off room, causing the cold air duct to pull air from wherever it can, such as cracks in windows, fixtures, and improperly-sealed doors. Meanwhile, the circulating warm air will force its way out of closed vents and seep through duct leaks created by the increased pressure. Warm air escaping from ducts also will be forced into the basement or floor cavities. This means you’re still paying for heat despite reaping no benefits.
- What to do instead: Instead of closing a room to save energy, consider a furnace upgrade, a much more energy-efficient option. Have your furnace serviced every year to ensure optimal efficiency and change your air filter regularly. Because heat rises, the top floors in your home are warmer than the main floor and basement, so partially close vents upstairs while leaving the downstairs vents open. This will keep your downstairs area warmer without sacrificing energy. If you still want to seal a room in your home, talk to a HVAC contractor, as such projects are best left to service professionals.
- Additional tips: Seal air leaks with caulk, spray foam or weatherstripping, install storm windows, make use of space heaters, and add insulation where needed as extra protection against the cold. Performing these actions are much better options for maintaining a warm, comfortable home than closing rooms to save energy.
For more tips relating to home comfort, please contact us at LBA Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing. We have proudly served the Greater Kansas City area since 1985.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Kansas City, Kansas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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