Should a Furnace Damper Be Open or Closed in Winter?

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Should a furnace damper be open or closed in the winter? Many property owners are unsure how to adjust their furnace dampers during the winter to achieve maximum indoor comfort and consistent temperatures. In this guide, we'll discuss the importance of HVAC dampers, how to tell if yours are open or closed, potential causes for hot and cold spots in your home, and other tips for using your dampers throughout the year.

Once you've learned more about your furnace dampers, you can reach out to the most trusted team in the Hillsdale, NJ, area. We supply Englewood Cliffs's reliable heating and air conditioning services and can assist you with getting the most out of your furnace. After reading about dampers, contact our team to schedule a service appointment or discuss your needs.

What Are Your HVAC Dampers, and What Are Their Purpose?

Dampers are part of your ductwork system and help control and balance airflow. You can use your furnace damper to increase or hinder the flow of air throughout your property, funneling warm air where you want it to go during the cold months of winter. Since every home's size and heating needs are different, you may find the best adjustments for your property through a series of trial and error with your family.

Closing upstairs dampers will prevent the upper levels of your home from getting too warm, while opening the lower dampers will provide the relief you want to naturally cooler areas. Bedrooms, main living areas, and basements will get the warmth and comfort you want!

Knowing how to operate your dampers (not just your vents and registers) can help you get the most out of your heating and cooling system. You can experience improved energy efficiency and more comfortable indoor temperatures throughout the year.

So, should a furnace damper be open or closed in the winter? You should open and close dampers in the appropriate areas to maintain maximum comfort.

How Can You Tell If Your Furnace Dampers Are Open or Closed?

When your furnace is running, you can have a family member help you test if your dampers are open or closed. Holding your hand over the upstairs and downstairs vents will let you know if you've adjusted your furnace dampers for your winter needs or if they are still set for summer. 

Once you determine the direction of the dampers, you can make changes as necessary. You should not feel anything from your upstairs vents since these dapers remain closed to prevent excessive warmth and to send air to the colder parts of your property. Likewise, your downstairs vents or those in the lower part of your house should have air coming through them.

Reasons for Hot and Cold Spots Throughout Your Property

Consider the following reasons why you're experiencing hot and cold spots after adjusting the dampers and their potential solutions.

Something Is Blocking Your Air Vents

Obstructions with your vents could hinder the airflow you expect from your furnace. Perhaps, for example, you placed boxes or furniture in the pathway of some air vents and now you are noticing extreme temperature spots. The air might struggle to get around large items and get stuck.

Checking each vent throughout your home and relocating any belongings can help achieve more uniform warmth and comfort. Although it seems small, you may immediately notice a difference in how warm your home feels.

You Need To Replace Dirty Air Filters

Do you remember when you last replaced your furnace's filter? Depending on your furnace size, you should replace your filters every month to several months. A good rule of thumb is to replace your filters every one to three months and check them monthly for clogs and dirt.

When you continue to operate your furnace with a clogged filter, you'll notice decreased efficiency and have a harder time heating your home. During the winter months you'll need to stay diligent about maintaining your furnace — especially swapping out filters as they accumulate dirt.

Using a clean filter vs. a dirty one will greatly affect the temperature and comfort levels of your property, so make filter replacement a top priority.

You Must Address Leaks in Your Ductwork

Furnaces and boilers cannot operate at their best with leaking ductwork. The airflow you're trying to distribute will leak out, so you'll need to schedule professional ductwork repairs immediately.

Tips for Adjusting Dampers With the Changing Seasons

Now that you know how to best use your dampers in the wintertime, it's also helpful to know about the rest of the year. Although you might not rely on your furnace during the summer, you could start to use your air conditioning system around this time. And what about the transitional seasons?

Our recommendations for damper usage is as follows:

• Summer: Since heat naturally rises, keeping your upstairs dampers open in the summer will allow cool air to reach this area of your home. You'll want the maximum amount of cool air to concentrate upward, so close your downstairs or basement dampers.
• Fall and Spring: During the change between weather conditions, you can rebalance your dampers. These times of year are also ideal for HVAC maintenance and inspections to prepare for the upcoming seasons.

Book Furnace Repair and Maintenance Services in Hillsdale, New Jersey With the Team at Gladiator Services!

We hope you now can answer, "Should a furnace damper be open or closed in the winter?" You can read about other common HVAC topics on our blog, such as what happens when a furnace pressure switch goes bad. At Gladiator Services, we offer incredible furnace installation, repair, and maintenance services to prepare your home for cold winter weather and enjoy complete indoor comfort and warmth, so give us a call today to book services. 

Call (201) 903-9784 to schedule five-star furnace repairs with Gladiator Services in Hillsdale, NJ, and the nearby areas!