Will closing air vents improve heating and cooling system efficiency?

Heating and air conditioning systems are designed for balance. Closing air vents can result in back pressure, causing ductwork to leak and reduce system efficiency.

One easy way to control where heat or cool air is delivered is by closing the doors to seldom-used rooms, except where a thermostat is located. Shutting down vents or registers in a room where the thermostat is located will cause the furnace or air conditioner to stay on most of the time.

If your home is served by a forced-air system, talk with a qualified professional about closing down the air vents in unused rooms or adjusting dampers in the ductwork to redirect conditioned air where it's needed.