To handle Dayton’s warm summers and cold, dry winters, an HVAC air duct system must be optimized for performance. Redirecting vents to supply air where you want it is one of the simplest ways to do this.
Around Your Rooms
Your standard vent covers are there just to keep foreign objects out of the ducts and diffuse the airflow somewhat do prevent strong drafts, but they do little to direct the airflow. If all you want it to further cut down on drafts, a wood slat or decorative metal cover can help. These break up airflow more effectively than thin plastic metal grills.
For redirecting vents such that the air flows to a different part of the room, vent deflectors are a simple option. These are placed over the vent to guide air away from a wall, furniture or curtains and toward the center of the room.
If you have a vent under a piece of furniture, a vent extender is your best bet. This long, low-profile cover fits over the vent and directs air out from a restricted space so it can flow out closer to the center of the room.
In the Duct System
To a certain extent, closing a vent can redirect the air in the ducts toward a different part of the house. If you have an unused room you don’t want to heat or cool, you can block the airflow to the room with a vent deflector that can be closed or a magnetized rubber vent cover.
Never block more than 10 percent of your vents or you’ll create a pressure imbalance in the ducts that can damage the components of your furnace and A/C. If some parts of your home often need more conditioned air than others, consult an HVAC technician about installing a zoning system. These systems use dampers in the ducts and a main control panel to let you safely direct air to different parts of your home.
For tips on redirecting vents effectively, get in touch with us at Ace Hardware Home Services anywhere around Dayton.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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