Open basement vents with wiring hanging from the ceiling.

Should Basement Air Vents Be Open or Closed?

This is a question we get all the time: “Can I open my basement vents in the summer?”

Our answer (always): No.

Why? Well, that’s what this article is all about.

We’re Innovative Basement Authority, and our specialty is helping homeowners just like you protect your greatest asset: your home. How do we do that? By being listed among the nation’s top basement waterproofing experts.

Here’s our advice on basement air vents.

The Benefits of Closing Your Basement Air Vents

Eager for summer but dread the thought of enduring unrelenting heat? Fear not, your home’s HVAC system can help you maintain a comfortable temperature regardless of the weather outside.

Small adjustments can be made to your HVAC system to optimize its performance? Simply closing off the air vents in rooms not often used will keep the temperature consistent. This will save you money on heating or cooling areas that are not frequently occupied.

But is it a good idea to close vents in your basement? While it may not be used often, closing vents and walking away may not be the best option.

In this article we’ll discuss why it’s important to rotate the flow of air in your home to keep the HVAC system functioning properly.

What If Your Vents Are Leaking?

Keep your basement vents closed, we say. So what if your air vents are leaking in air even when they’re closed?

If you suspect you have a leak on your hands, you can keep an eye out for some of the most telling symptoms, including:

Higher electric bills
Less pleasant air, or air with dust particles
Inconsistent temperatures throughout your home

While it’s best to reach out to an expert to repair an air vent leak, you can also take steps to protect your home on your own. These steps can include:

Check your vent system for signs of damage that you can spot from the outside.
Turn on your HVAC system and follow the air pressure until it gives out.
Check your ducts for signs of damage.

You can also take a lighter or a candle and let the smoke follow the airflow throughout your home. This way, you can better determine which part of your HVAC system is suffering from the most damage.

So, Can You Safely Close Your Air Vents During the Summer?

With the pros and cons of closing your air vents in mind, is it worth it to close up your vents in the warmer months of the year, especially if you want to save money?

It’s not going to harm your home if you close up your air vents for a day or two at a time. That said, you need to make a point of opening those vents back up, or at least rotating the vents you have closed throughout your basement. This way, air can continue to flow through your home without suffering from any backups. Consider installing a basement dehumidifier to move as as well.

Who to Call for Basement Air Vent Help

If you think the unintentional misuse of your air vents has resulted in a leak somewhere in your home, or if you just want to take steps to protect your home before damage appears, you can. The foundation, basement, and crawl space repair experts at Innovative Basement Authority, can walk through your home with you.

These professionals can then provide you with a free quote on the repair services you may need to restore your space.

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Holly Richards-Purpura

Content Writer

Holly is a Content Writer for Groundworks who has written and edited web content for the foundation services industry for almost 10 years. With a background in journalism, her passion for the written word runs deep. Holly lives in Columbus, OH, with her husband. Along with educating homeowners, she also has a big heart for the Big Apple.