As a business owner or facility manager, cutting costs while maintaining comfort is a constant priority. You may have heard the idea to close vents in unused rooms in order to reduce energy bills… but does this method really work in commercial buildings?
The short answer: no. In fact, closing vents could harm the HVAC system and increase costs over time. Interstate AC Service explains why this common myth doesn’t work and offers better alternatives for energy savings in your commercial space.
Why Closing Vents Can Hurt Your Business
Commercial HVAC systems are designed to handle a specific airflow, based on the size and layout of your building. Closing vents in unoccupied rooms disrupts this balance, creating unnecessary pressure in the ductwork. This added strain forces your system to work harder, which increases energy consumption and accelerates wear and tear on components.
For example, if vents are close in offices, warehouses, or conference rooms, the HVAC system continues to pull in the same volume of air, but now it has fewer outlets to release it.
Over time, this imbalance can lead to serious issues, including:
- Cracked Ductwork: Increased pressure can cause leaks, reducing efficiency and creating air quality problems.
- Higher Utility Bills: Paradoxically, your system works harder and uses more energy when vents are closed.
- Mold Growth: Condensation builds up in improperly ventilated areas, leading to mold and mildew.
- Damaged Components: Overworked motors, heat exchangers and evaporator coils can fail prematurely, resulting in expensive repairs.
Rather than saving money, closing vents increases maintenance costs and shortens the lifespan of your HVAC equipment – a lose-lose for your business.
Alternatives: Smarter Energy-Saving Strategies
If closing vents isn’t the answer, what can you do to reduce heating and cooling costs in your commercial building? Here are a few proven strategies that deliver:
- Schedule professional inspections and tune-ups at least once a year. A clean, well-maintained system runs more efficiently, lowering energy costs and avoiding expensive repairs.
- Modern commercial HVAC systems can be upgraded with zoning capabilities, allowing you to adjust temperatures independently in different areas based on occupancy.
- Programmable thermostats allow you to set specific temperatures for certain hours, ensuring energy isn’t wasted when spaces are unoccupied.
- Check windows, doors and walls for drafts or leaks, which force your system to overcompensate.
- Unplug unused office equipment, turn off lights in empty rooms, and use ceiling fans to improve airflow. Small changes add up to significant savings.
By adopting these habits, your business space can improve energy use without risking HVAC damage or system downtime.
Partner With Interstate AC Service for Expert Care
So, is it helpful to close vents in unoccupied rooms? No. While it may sound like a simple fix, it creates more problems than solutions for your commercial HVAC system. Instead, let Interstate AC help you implement smarter energy-saving measures tailored to your building’s needs.
Our technicians specialize in commercial HVAC systems, offering maintenance, repairs and upgrades designed to reduce costs and maximize comfort. Call us today at (615) 802-COOL (2665) to schedule a consultation or request a free estimate.
