Most of us are eager to find ways to save energy, but one common misconception can actually drive energy bills higher: closing interior doors and air conditioning vents.

Your central HVAC system relies on unfettered access to adequate return air. When you close interior doors and room registers it restricts air flow back to the return and your system has to work even harder. Worse yet, makeup air will be sucked in through exterior cracks and crevices around windows and doors and even chimneys. That air is unfiltered, unhealthy and humid. Any duct leakage that already exists will be exacerbated as well.

A better alternative is to leave interior doors and registers open and raise the thermostat. Then turn on a fan in the room you’re occupying to stay cool. Long term you may want to consider a zoned HVAC system or a mini-split add on.