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We have a duplex with four bedrooms (two bedrooms per floor). It's a large duplex with ventilated hallways on each floor. Our bottom floor is always colder than the top floor.
I live on the top floor. During the winter this isn't problematic - if it's too hot, I just open a window, during the warm months however, it becomes a problem, as if I turn on the AC, the bottom most bedroom (the one at the far end of the second floor), even with its vent "closed," becomes too cold.
My solution is to cover that room's vent with foil. This way it won't become too cold and the inhabitant can still open windows for air flow.
Is this safe? We'll have a ton of other vents that will remain open.
The vent should have a damper that can be opened and closed to adjust the air flow. I suppose foil will work to completely block it, but it can't look all that great.
Having said that, closing one vent really won't cause any problems with the operation or efficiency of your system. You'd be better off with a damper to help balance the system. A properly installed and balanced duct system should condition all spaces relatively equally.
The vent should have a damper that can be opened and closed to adjust the air flow. I suppose foil will work to completely block it, but it can't look all that great.
Having said that, closing one vent really won't cause any problems with the operation or efficiency of your system. You'd be better off with a damper to help balance the system. A properly installed and balanced duct system should condition all spaces relatively equally.
Thank you. Yeah, I think our landlord just used a cheap damper when constructing the apartment because it's not super effective.
I was going to put the foil INSIDE the damper. What do you think?
I used to live in an in-law apt where I'm on the bottom and when the AC comes on, the temp got down to 50F. Opening the window helped but I got lots of condensation dripping from the vent. Luckily my LL was too cheap to use the AC except when it was a heat wave (didn't happen a lot).
I found that just shutting off the damper didn't help much. Adding something thin (like packing tape) to block the vent didn't help. I finally taped a piece of foam material (from a used poster board) to insulate the cold air. When done nicely, it was hardly noticeable and kept the room warmer. The whole apt was still cool despite all the vents being blocked (the cold air ducts were cooling the walls, I suppose) and I noticed no detriment to the AC.
the system is generally balanced so the air flow rate matches the system property's . any change in air flow does effect the system performance .
sometimes it results in total freeze up , sometimes it just effects efficiency and humidity removal .
closing dampers take some load off the coil dropping pressure and temperature . if the coil does not freeze it can cool down the area's to quickly and the stat will shut the system down without running long enough to really remove enough humidity .
it actually duplicates what happens when you over size a unit . it cools everything down before it has a chance to dehumidify .
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