Should Furnace Damper Be Open or Closed in Winter?
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If you’re looking for ways to stay as warm as possible this winter, you need to optimize the efficiency of your Hillsdale furnace. Beyond keeping your furnace clean, serviced, and well-maintained, there remains a pressing question: Should you keep the damper open or closed in winter? Despite it being a straightforward task, understanding the difference can significantly impact both your comfort level and your monthly energy bills. The team at Gladiator Services is here to help you break down the basics of your furnace damper and figure out what to do next.
What Is a Furnace Damper?
Let’s start with the furnace damper. This valve or plate controls the airflow within your heating system. It’s usually located within the ductwork of your furnace, near your chimney. Sometimes dampers are automatic or they can be manipulated manually to release and regulate the heat in your home. Although dampers are a small part of your furnace, they play a crucial role in regulating how much heat escapes the system.
What’s the Difference Between a Manual and Automatic Damper?
The main difference between a manual and automatic damper is how they direct the warm airflow. As the name implies, a manual damper requires you to adjust it by hand and gives you more control over how much air flows through the ductwork or chimney. Automatic dampers rely on the system’s settings or sensors and adjust the airflow automatically without needing manual intervention. Automatic dampers are also more consistent for hands-free, customizable control.
Damper Open or Closed in Winter?
Most homeowners typically leave their dampers open to allow heated air to circulate throughout their home and prevent unnecessary wear and tear on their system. However, it’s common to close the dampers that lead to the upstairs ductwork during the winter. The idea is that the heat will naturally rise to the second floor and warm their home.
Like most systems in your home, maximizing the efficiency of your furnace is all about finding the right balance. It’s best to keep your furnace damper open when the system is running and keep it off during the off-season. If you’re not sure how to handle your damper or having trouble with the efficiency of your furnace, it’s a good idea to call in a pro. The team at Gladiator Services is always here for all your furnace needs, from repairs to maintenance and new installations.
What If You Don’t Use Your Damper at All?
If you don’t bother using a damper at all, you’ll end up with inefficient heating that can drive up your energy bills and leave your home feeling chilly. You also risk damaging your furnace and forcing it to work overtime, which could shorten its lifespan. The long-term impact can mean a furnace that doesn’t work the way it should, with a loss of heat and poor airflow through your ductwork. This could lead to expensive emergency repairs and a significant number of cold, wintry nights.
Call Gladiator Services Today!
The team at Gladiator Services is always here to help you with all your HVAC needs to make sure your system is running as smoothly and efficiently as possible to keep your home warm all winter. Give us a call and we’ll come out to service your furnace, run tests, clean up your system, and get it ready for the winter season. Schedule your appointment today!