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Do you find yourself always <br />wondering when your recycling <br />gets collected or what items <br />are recyclable? Get answers <br />by downloading the City of <br />Elk River’s Recycle Coach app <br />today. Visit elkrivermn.gov/156/ <br />Garbage-and-Recycling or <br />simply scan the QR code. <br />DOWNLOAD THE <br />RECYCLE COACH APP <br />Stay connected on utility news <br />and information, community <br />events, and important <br />announcements by following <br />ERMU on social media. <br />FOLLOW US ON <br />SOCIAL MEDIA <br />@ermu_mn <br />@elkrivermunicipalutilities <br />Elk River Municipal Utilities <br />@ERMU_MN <br />WINTER 2025 <br />THE CURRENT <br />WE WELCOME YOUR QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS: ERMUMN.COM | 763.441.2020 <br />Will Closing Air Vents Actually Save Money? <br />Heating and cooling costs can take up a lot of space <br />on your energy bills. During winter, you may be looking <br />for quick and easy ways to reduce those costs. One <br />commonly used method is to close air vents in unused <br />rooms, reducing the amount of space that needs heat. <br />It sounds like a good idea, but does it really work? The <br />short answer is no, closing your house vents in unused <br />rooms does not save energy. Read on to learn why and <br />what you can do instead. <br />Balancing Act <br />It’s a common misconception that closing off vents in some rooms will reduce the amount of <br />space you need to heat or cool, thus lowering your energy costs. In reality, closing vents in <br />unused rooms can actually increase your energy use. <br />HVAC systems are designed for balance, so that the amount of air returned to the air handling <br />unit is roughly equal to the volume delivered through the supply vents in each room. When <br />vents are closed, air pressure in other rooms increases. The extra pressure pushes air out <br />through any openings in walls or windows which may even waste more energy than operating <br />your system as usual. <br />The air that escapes from the room must be replaced, increasing the amount of air being <br />drawn and the load on your heating and cooling system. Also, the increased duct pressure <br />results in lower air flow and incresed strain on the blower motor. <br />Better Ways to Save on Energy <br />While closing central heating air vents in unused rooms won’t save money on energy bills, <br />there are plenty of other smarter, safer strategies to consider: <br /> Use a programmable thermostat: Maximize heating and cooling only when you need it. <br /> Seal air leaks: Weather-strip doors and windows to keep conditioned air inside. <br /> Add insulation: A well-insulated attic and walls help regulate temperature. <br /> Replace air filters regularly: Clean filters mean smoother airflow and less strain on <br /> your system. <br /> Schedule HVAC maintainence: Annual tune-ups keep your HVAC system <br /> running efficiently. <br /> Use ceiling fans: Improve air circulation so your system doesn’t have to work as hard. <br /> Consider an ENERGY STAR® upgrade. ENERGY STAR® -certified systems are <br /> independently tested to use less energy than standard models while still providing <br /> the level of comfort you expect. <br />Closing vents to save on energy costs might sound like a quick fix, but it is a costly myth. <br />Keep airflow balanced, maintain your system, and utilize better strategies to stay comfortable <br />and save money this winter. Find rebate savings on ENERGY STAR®-certified products and <br />programmable thermostats at ERMUMN.COM. <br />156