EcoRenovator - View Single Post - Higher than normal Electricity bills caused by my mistake

jeff5may · 03-03-17, 11:14 AM

OK, so we have acknowledged a few trends here:

1. Most "casual" users believe that closing vents increases energy efficiency.

2.Most residential duct systems are already correctly sized for the unit.

3. Heat pump and condensing furnace systems work close to the same as "blast" furnace systems.

The truth is that none of these beliefs are true. No matter how you slice it, cutting down an already restricted system doesn't help. However, it is a good way to inadvertently destroy a heat pump: bursting freon pipes and burnt compressors come to mind. Besides not saving energy in the short term, due to the heat escaping through leaky ductwork (worse than heating/cooling an unwanted zone), the added stress on system components shortens its useful lifespan.

What hasn't been touched here is this: what if you INCREASE the airflow in these types of high-efficiency systems in the zones that more capacity is desired? For instance, installing a larger vent in the master bedroom and the kitchen. Or maybe installing a "duct booster" fan to send added comfort to a desired zone. Would the additional airflow help out energy efficiency? I believe if the if the change was made skillfully, it could do lots of good for not much effort or expense.

03-03-17, 11:14 AM	#3
jeff5may Supreme EcoRenovator Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: elizabethtown, ky, USA Posts: 2,428 Thanks: 431 Thanked 619 Times in 517 Posts	OK, so we have acknowledged a few trends here: 1. Most "casual" users believe that closing vents increases energy efficiency. 2.Most residential duct systems are already correctly sized for the unit. 3. Heat pump and condensing furnace systems work close to the same as "blast" furnace systems. The truth is that none of these beliefs are true. No matter how you slice it, cutting down an already restricted system doesn't help. However, it is a good way to inadvertently destroy a heat pump: bursting freon pipes and burnt compressors come to mind. Besides not saving energy in the short term, due to the heat escaping through leaky ductwork (worse than heating/cooling an unwanted zone), the added stress on system components shortens its useful lifespan. What hasn't been touched here is this: what if you INCREASE the airflow in these types of high-efficiency systems in the zones that more capacity is desired? For instance, installing a larger vent in the master bedroom and the kitchen. Or maybe installing a "duct booster" fan to send added comfort to a desired zone. Would the additional airflow help out energy efficiency? I believe if the if the change was made skillfully, it could do lots of good for not much effort or expense. Last edited by jeff5may; 03-05-17 at 11:18 AM..