The Persistent Myth That Won’t Go Away

We’ve all heard this well-meaning advice from friends and family: “Close the vents in rooms you’re not using to save money on your heating bills!” At Sentry Heating, we encounter this misconception frequently during our service calls throughout Vestavia Hills, Hoover, and the greater Birmingham area.

Why This Myth Is Wrong

Closing vents in unused rooms actually causes several problems:

• Increased pressure in your ductwork
• Higher stress on your HVAC system
• Potential damage to your heat exchanger
• Reduced energy efficiency
• Uneven heating throughout your home

Your furnace is designed to heat a specific square footage, and closing vents doesn’t change the amount of air your system produces. Instead, it creates pressure imbalances that force your system to work harder.

What You Should Do Instead

To maximize heating efficiency:

• Keep all vents open and unobstructed
• Schedule regular maintenance
• Use a programmable thermostat
• Ensure proper insulation
• Change air filters monthly

The Bottom Line

While the intention behind closing vents is good, it’s actually counterproductive. For truly efficient heating in Homewood, Mountain Brook, or anywhere in our service area, trust the expertise of professional HVAC technicians who understand how your system works as a complete unit.

Remember, your heating system is designed to work as a balanced whole. Any attempts to outsmart it by closing vents will likely result in higher energy bills and potential system damage.

Contact Sentry Heating for proper maintenance and professional advice on genuinely effective ways to reduce your heating costs this winter.