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Do Vent Deflectors Really Work?

Have you ever struggled with insufficient blowing from your HVAC system? What about wanting a more personalized experience with your heating and cooling?

One easy way to feel entirely satisfied with your HVAC is to use a vent deflector. The question is, do they actually work, or is it just a way for companies to make more money?

Vent deflectors (diverters) are a helpful HVAC accessory that changes how your HVAC operates. A vent deflector works by allowing the user to redirect and adjust their vent for greater control. A vent deflector puts an end to hot and cold spots and insufficient blowing. This results in more energy being conserved and a longer-lasting unit.

Any homeowner looking for greater control over their HVAC should highly consider a vent deflector. But before buying, you need to know the facts. This blog will be sharing what vent deflectors are, how they operate, and why they might be a handy tool to add to your HVAC system.

What is a Vent Deflector?

An air vent deflector (also referred to as a vent diverter) is a device that is situated over an air vent. They are typically made of plastic. The device will allow the operator to change the direction of the heating and cooling. 

(Comfort First Products)

How Do Air Vent Deflectors Work?

When situated over the vent, the deflector will work by redirecting the heating and cooling coming through the vents.

The operator can move the deflector upwards or downwards, depending on their needs. Some vent deflectors utilize switches or levels to operate redirection. This maximizes the overall output of the HVAC system.

(Air Tech AC)

Do Vent Deflectors Really Work?

Yes, air deflectors really work. Plus, they are easy to use, which means you don’t need any technical training to maximize your HVAC’s potential. However, it is essential to note that some situations provide more efficiency for the vent deflector than others.

When Vent Deflectors Are Most Effective

A vent deflector is an excellent idea for a wide variety of situations, including:

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  • Underneath furniture. A lot of homes have oddly placed vents on the floor. These vents are likely to be covered by furniture, rendering them useless. Well, using a vent deflector can allow you to redirect the heating and cooling, so it is more beneficial to you and your home.
  • Over appliances. Plenty of vents are also (not-so-strategically) placed right on top of hot appliances, such as an oven. When these appliances are in use, the heat can significantly affect the rest of the home’s air quality and temperature. Using a deflector ensures that the HVAC is not disturbed by the hot appliances below.
  • In unused rooms. A lot of the time, homeowners will close off vents found in unused rooms. Well, this can put a damper on overall heating and cooling output. Instead, it is suggested to use a deflector to push the air outside of the room, thus creating more movement throughout the home.
  • Next to thermostats. Many homeowners do not know this, but having a vent near your thermostat can create false readings. In turn, the air will run longer or shorter than what is actually necessary. As you might guess, this raises your energy bill. A deflector will keep hot and cold away from the thermostat to provide accurate readings.
  • When there is a draft. Some areas of your home may experience uncomfortable drafts at certain times throughout the year. Redirecting your vent to diminish the draft will ensure you and your loved ones stay comfortable year-round.

As you can see, there are a plethora of uses for a vent deflector. Allowing air to properly circulate in spaces where it would otherwise be trapped or warmed up allows for better air quality and temperature. Plus, you can avoid paying extra for a misread thermometer and avoid uncomfortable situations altogether. 

What About Closing a Vent Instead?

Some people are under the impression that closing the vent is a far better option than purchasing a vent deflector, especially when it comes to vents in an unused room.

After all, nobody is stepping foot inside of the unused area. Why should you need to purchase something when closing it is so much easier and saves energy costs?

Although it might seem that closing the vent is a superior pick, that simply is not the case. It doesn’t matter whether the vent is closed or not. The HVAC is still going to produce the same amount of air, whether the vent is closed or not.

In turn, you end up paying more while closing off a vent. That is because the air will be pushed back into the HVAC system and released into other parts of the home. Some other disadvantages of a closed vent include:

  • Added pressure on the vents, which can lead to air leaks. Air leaks will require the HVAC system to work harder, which leads to an increase in energy costs once more.
  • Damage to the air conditioner and/or heater. Damages can result in inefficient air blowing and quality. Over time, it may also lead to costly repairs.

So, while you can close off a vent in hopes of saving energy, you’re going to end up doing more harm than good. Aside from potential damage and air leaks, you will be spending more money right off the bat due to the redirection necessary from a closed vent. It’s a far better option to use a vent deflector. 

(Save On Energy)

Benefits of a Vent Deflector

By now, you have learned that an air vent deflector works and is a top-notch solution over other energy-saving suggestions, such as closing a vent off entirely. To make things even more precise, here are some of the top benefits of using a vent deflector in your home.

Consistent Overall Airflow

A heating and cooling system that is blocked by a piece of furniture, whether it’s a couch, bed, or table, will not provide very much air circulation.

The air becomes trapped beneath the furniture. And while some people opt to shut off the vent entirely, they are doing themselves a disfavor.

A vent deflector ensures that air is being utilized, even if it’s covered by something.

This can help you to save on energy bills while also remaining more comfortable in the room.

With proper circulation, you do not have to worry about rooms becoming too hot, too cold, or suffering from unfortunate drafts.

Higher Quality Air

It’s not just circulation that benefits from an air vent deflector; it’s the air’s overall quality, too. How is this possible?

Well, think of it this way: when your air vent sits right on top of a hot appliance, then it is going to essentially suck the heat into the HVAC. 

What does this extra heat do to the HVAC system? It will essentially hinder the temperature and quality of the air being released into the rest of the home. That is something you want to avoid at all costs, especially during the hot summer months.

Better Efficiency and Lower Energy Costs

One major perk of using an air vent deflector is that it will help you to save money. How?

Because the deflector will work to provide better overall efficiency from the HVAC system. It won’t have to compete with obstructions above it or high temperatures being released from below.

Better efficiency equates to less money being wasted.

Another way you save money is by placing the air vent deflector by windows. Outdoor temperatures can have a significant impact on how well your heating and cooling work.

When it’s hot outside, the warm temperatures will require your HVAC to work harder, thus demanding more money. The same is true for chilly weather finding its way inside and battling with the heater.

So, if you want to save money on your energy costs, a deflector is a great way to go. Plus, it won’t cost much to get vent deflectors placed wherever you need them.

Most vent deflectors cost around $20, but they can save you hundreds per year. That’s an investment you can feel confident in.

More Comfort

The last benefit of using a vent deflector is that it provides you and your home with added comfort.

Since the HVAC system can cool and heat more efficiently and precisely, you won’t have to worry about indoor temperatures suffering.

Plus, you can adjust the vent deflectors exactly how you want them. Say goodbye to pesky drafts and cold/hot spots for good.

Final Thoughts

Air vent deflectors (diverters) are a top-notch solution to hot and cold spots or air that is not running efficiently.

They are excellent for providing circulation, especially in areas where the vent may be obstructed or in contact with extreme temperatures.

They are also instrumental in unused rooms and are a far better solution than closing vents off entirely.

Air deflectors can provide you with a more comfortable and energy-efficient home. With deflectors, you can feel confident in your HVAC’s operation and potentially save hundreds per year.