Air vent covers may seem an insignificant component of your HVAC system, but they play a crucial role. Without it, air circulation in your home won’t be as efficient. You’ll experience warm temperatures in some rooms and cold air in others. Buying the best air vent cover designs will improve your home’s comfort and make it enjoyable to live in. In this article, you’ll learn some benefits of purchasing vent covers.
Improve a Home’s Decor
Many people value their home’s appearance. They can buy flowers, plants, and other landscaping materials to make their property more attractive. Some people may even decide to remodel their homes or upgrade their interiors with fancy materials like marble. Others may also put up lovely photos or paint their home to make them more aesthetically pleasing.
But did you know that vent covers can also boost your home’s appearance? They come in various designs, types, sizes, and colors to match any home’s décor. You can choose from decorative vent covers that coordinate with your kitchen’s tile pattern and theme, modern vent covers to match your stainless steel appliances and give your interior a sleek look, metal vent covers that exude style and sophistication, energy-efficient vent covers that keep your home’s utility bills low or a contrasting vent that makes a bold style statement. No matter which covers you choose, you can be sure that it will also come with added aesthetic benefits. Best of all, vent covers are easy to install and come with a warranty, so you can be sure they will last.
Come With Safety Features
It’s essential to protect your family and home from fire hazards that heating elements may cause. Vent covers come with safety features such as auto shut-off sensors, which will shut off the vent if it becomes blocked. Some also have built-in tip-over sensors that close if the heat exceeds a certain level. Still, others have drop-down shutters to prevent small children from falling into the furnace or accidentally being burned by the element. Moreover, they have screens to prevent pests from entering your home through the vent.
These covers can be controlled through an app on your smartphone, so if you are away from home and notice that the vent has become obstructed, you can still correct the issue and have it shut off automatically. They can also be programmed to shut off when the temperature outside drops below a certain level. Although they can be installed in existing homes, they can also be purchased as standalone systems. When buying these accessories, it’s vital to check the materials used to manufacture them. Those made from fire-resistant or flame-retardant materials are the best and will ensure you have a safe place to cook and store your precious belongings. They should also have an energy efficiency rating of at least 10 SEER, which is significantly higher than the average of most homes. You can also consider a model with a thermostat to maintain the desired temperature in your home or one designed to block the wind to minimize your worry of flickering lights and lower energy efficiency.
Maintain Proper Airflow
If your home is filled with drafts, you may want to install a vent cover to prevent cold air from entering your home. The best covers are made from materials like fiberglass, which are fire-resistant and will prevent heat loss from the outside of your home. You can also consider one that is insulated to keep the temperature inside your home consistent during the winter months.
Vents promote airflow through your home, so you will want to install at least one vent cover on each exterior wall. You can also consider installing a roof vent or two per floor, depending on the size of your home. Additionally, it is important to schedule maintenance on your cover every few years or replace them if they’re more than ten years. Maintenance will keep them working efficiently and keep outdoor allergens from coming into your home. It will also keep your vents clear of debris, leaves, pests, and drafts. If your covers are sealed correctly, your thermostat will be at a lower setting, saving you money on energy bills. You can use a vent fan to keep the air in your home circulating and eliminate hot spots. A fan in the attic will draw warm air out of your house and draw cooler air in from outside. A fan near your air conditioning unit will help push cool air throughout your home.
Vent maintenance can include cleaning the grille, checking the seal around the grille, and cleaning the duct. Professionals should handle this task because they have the necessary training and experience.
You may also want to look at the possibility of installing exhaust fans in your bathrooms and laundry rooms to actively push air out, preventing moisture from accumulating and creating an ideal environment for mold and mildew to grow. You may also want to look at installing an intake fan in your kitchen to potentially decrease the amount of time it takes to cool your home during those hot summer months.
Wrapping Up
Vent covers will make it easier for your AC unit to function appropriately and protect your home from the elements. The next time you’d like to replace your old one or install a new one, ensure you contact a reputable HVAC contractor.
