Your furnace is an essential home part that serves as the primary heat source. It is responsible for keeping your home warm during cold winter and providing a comfortable living environment. Without your furnace, you would be stuck in the cold.
Unfortunately, many homeowners still make the mistake of closing the air vents. They believe this furnace maintenance method saves electricity and lowers energy bills. In reality, this is not true.
Closing air vents can cause harm to your furnace and decrease its efficiency. Here are some of the reasons closing your air vents can be harmful to your furnace:
1. Reduced Airflow
Air vents play an important role in the efficient operation of a furnace. When the air vents are open, they allow air to flow freely into the furnace. This air is used to fuel the furnace and keep it running efficiently. However, the furnace’s air is reduced when the air vents are closed. This can decrease the efficiency of the furnace and cause it to malfunction.
Aside from that, it decreases the amount of oxygen that the furnace needs to produce heat. Without enough oxygen, the furnace cannot operate efficiently and could even shut down. This will provoke your furnace to work harder and use more energy, which can lead to higher energy bills.
2. Overheating
Some homeowners think closing the air vents is important for furnace maintenance to avoid overheating. However, this is not the real case. After all, closing the air vents restricts the air that can flow through the furnace, leading to the furnace becoming too hot. This can be very dangerous and should be avoided.
The best way to prevent the furnace from overheating is to ensure it is properly maintained and serviced regularly. This will help to keep the furnace running at its optimal temperature and will help to reduce the risk of overheating.
3. Pressure Buildup
Because closed air vents restrict the amount of air that can flow through the furnace, it can induce pressure to build up inside the system. This pressure buildup can lead to various issues, such as furnace failure, increased energy costs, and even a fire hazard.
It is important to have the air vents open and implement furnace maintenance to prevent pressure buildup. Doing this will help ensure the furnace runs properly and efficiently while reducing the risk of any damage or fire hazard.
4. Increased Energy Bills
Closed air vents contribute to higher energy bills because the furnace has to work harder to push air through the system. The furnace must run longer to maintain the desired temperature, increasing the energy consumed. This can lead to a dramatic increase in energy costs over time. In addition to increasing energy costs, closed air vents can cause the furnace to become overworked and lead to it failing prematurely.
Final Thoughts
Closing the air vents will cause the furnace to work harder, leading to more wear and tear and even potential breakdowns. Moreover, it will generate air pressure imbalances, leading to air leaks, drafts, and moisture problems. Ultimately, leaving the air vents open is best to ensure that your furnace works properly and that your heating and cooling bills remain low.
Climate Experts provides furnace maintenance services in Whitby to ensure that your furnace runs efficiently and that all air vents are open. Get in touch with us today!
