You may think that covering floor vents in rooms that are not used often is a great way to get the rest of the home warmer.  This is a very common misconception. Regardless of the number of rooms and vents you have in your home; your HVAC system will produce the same amount of air (warm or cool.)  Covering or closing floor vents could increase the chances of damaging your HVAC system and is an unnecessary energy and financial waste.

The Dangers of Covering Air Vents

Restrict Airflow

Your HVAC system works the best when the air is flowing throughout the entire system.  When you force excess air to flow in another direction it can compromise the temperature in your home

Wasteful Spending

Restricting or blocking airflow from one or more rooms can make your system work harder than it needs to in order to regulate the temperature in your home.  This means your system will run more often, which translates to higher monthly bills and additional expenses you could easily avoid.

Damage the Heat Exchanger

Blocking the natural flow of air can also cause a buildup of air pressure.  This pressure could lead to issues with your heat exchanger.  This pressure could potentially cause the exchanger to crack and result in carbon monoxide emissions.

Air Duct Issues

Increased air pressure forcing its way through the duct system causes the ducts to wear down quicker.  Homes with older air duct materials could have cracks or create leaks more easily.

There are better ways to fix the temperature inside your home. Invest in windows, drapes, and blinds especially made to repel the elements and don’t forget to schedule maintenance for your heating and air conditioning system.

For HVAC system checks, maintenance, or repair services in Plainfield, Illinois or the surrounding areas, call TR Miller Heating & Cooling

 

Author

  • brian sloan headshot

    Brian Sloan is the President of TR Miller Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical, one of the western Chicago suburbs' leading family owned home service companies, serving homeowners across more than 80 communities throughout Will, Kendall, DuPage, Kane, and Cook counties.

    TR Miller is more than a business to Brian, it's a family legacy. The company was founded by his father, Tim Miller, and Brian and his brother Jim have played an important role in growing the business from a small local operation into a full service residential HVAC, plumbing, and electrical company serving homeowners throughout the greater Chicagoland area.

    Brian's perspective on the home services industry comes from firsthand experience. Before taking on leadership responsibilities, he worked in the field as an HVAC Service Technician and Fabrication Technician, diagnosing heating and cooling systems, assembling custom HVAC components, and supporting residential installations throughout the western suburbs.

    That hands on foundation continues to influence the way Brian leads TR Miller today. He understands both the work taking place inside a customer's home and the systems, training, and support required behind the scenes to consistently deliver a great customer experience.

    Over the course of his career at TR Miller, Brian has worked across nearly every major area of the business, including operations, marketing, sales, job coordination, customer service, finance, and leadership. Today, as President, he is responsible for the overall strategy, growth, culture, and performance of the organization.

    That breadth of experience across both the technical and business sides of home services has helped shape how TR Miller operates: combining the systems and accountability of a professionally run organization with the care, responsiveness, and personal connection of a family business.
    Brian's philosophy is straightforward, make home services convenient and reliable while giving homeowners the information they need to make the best decisions for their homes and families. That means educating customers, providing clear options and upfront pricing, and making sure homeowners understand both what was found and why a repair or replacement may be recommended.

    Under Brian's leadership, TR Miller has expanded beyond HVAC into plumbing and electrical services, grown across multiple locations, invested heavily in technical and leadership development, and been recognized seven times on the Inc. 5000 list of America's fastest growing privately held companies.

    Credentials & Affiliations:
    - President, TR Miller Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical
    - Membership Officer, YPO Chicagoland
    - Board Member, Nexstar Network
    - Former Vice Chair, Board of Directors, Plainfield Shorewood Area Chamber of Commerce
    - Associate's Degree, Waubonsee Community College
    - Former HVAC Service Technician & Fabrication Technician, TR Miller

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