When it comes to saving money on your energy bills, every little bit helps. One simple way to cut back on your heating and cooling costs is by covering the vents in unused rooms with Eureka Air’s high-quality magnetic air vent covers. These covers allow you to take control of your air quality and save money in the process! Here’s how it works, and how much you can expect to save.
How it works
Your HVAC system is designed to distribute heated or cooled air throughout your home through a series of ducts and vents. When you turn on your furnace or air conditioner, the blower motor pulls in air from the return ducts and sends it through the heat exchanger or evaporator coil, depending on the season. The air is then distributed through the supply ducts and out through the vents in each room.
However, if you have rooms in your home that you don’t use very often, like a guest room or storage room, there’s no reason to waste energy heating or cooling them. By closing the vents in those rooms, you’re reducing the amount of air that your HVAC system needs to circulate, which means it doesn’t have to work as hard or use as much energy.
How much you can save?
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, closing vents in unused rooms can save you up to 20% on your heating and cooling bills. However, it’s important to note that this isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. The actual savings you’ll see depend on a variety of factors, including the size of your home, the number of unused rooms, and your climate.
In general, the more unused rooms you have and the more extreme your climate, the more you’ll save. For example, if you live in a cold climate and have several unused rooms, you could potentially save several hundred dollars a year by closing their vents. However, if you live in a mild climate and only have one or two unused rooms, the savings will be more modest.
Other ways to save on heating and cooling costs
Closing vents in unused rooms is just one way to save money on your heating and cooling bills. Here are a few other tips to consider:
Install a programmable thermostat: A programmable thermostat allows you to set different temperature settings for different times of day, so you can save energy when you’re not home or when you’re asleep.
Change your air filter regularly: A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and make your HVAC system work harder than it needs to. Make sure to change your filter every one to three months, depending on your usage.
Seal air leaks: Air leaks around doors, windows, and other openings can let in hot or cold air, which makes your HVAC system work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal these leaks.
Use ceiling fans: Ceiling fans can help circulate air and make your home feel cooler, so you don’t have to rely as much on your air conditioner.
Consider upgrading your HVAC system: If your HVAC system is more than 10 years old or isn’t working as efficiently as it used to, it may be time to consider upgrading to a newer, more energy-efficient model.
Closing vents in unused rooms is a simple and effective way to save money on your heating and cooling bills. Just make sure to do it properly, and don’t rely on it as your sole method of cutting energy costs. By combining this strategy with other energy-saving tips, you can take control of your air quality, increase comfort and save money.