Do you know how to get the most from your heating and air conditioning system? If you’re like most people, you set it and forget it. But what can help it run bigger, better, stronger, and faster? One common question is whether or not to close interior doors when the AC is running. Is this fact or fiction? Read on to find out.
What’s the Goal of Closing the Doors?
When homeowners are trying to conserve energy, especially in the hottest part of summer, they’ll try anything to lower their utility bills. A common suggestion is to close interior doors to cool less of your home and reduce your energy use. The goal is to only cool the areas you need, hence saving money.
Does Closing Doors Work to Increase Energy Efficiency?
The short answer is no. The long answer is also no, because shutting doors to rooms inside the home decreases the efficiency and the effectiveness of your cooling system. HVAC systems are designed maintain consistent temperatures throughout your home. Blocking off rooms does the opposite.
Here are the effects of closing doors:
•Limits the air movement throughout your house.
•The room is now under negative pressure because the door is closed.
•Room air will not stay contained, air will still move back and forth somehow, though more slowly and less effectively.
•It takes more energy to replace the contained air because of the closed door.
•Air moves more slowly throughout the rest of the home because of the impediment.
If what you’re looking for is more effective cooling and lower energy bills, leaving your doors open is going to help your cause. Closing the doors will do the opposite.
For more tips and tricks to get the most from your heating and air conditioning system, contact the pros at H.H. Hovey Heating and Cooling today.
