Avoid blocking air vents with pillows, furniture, plants, or pictures. When the air vents are blocked it means that heated or cooled air needs to squeeze by what is blocking it to reach the rest of the room.
Placing furniture in front of a forced-air heat register is certainly not a fire hazard. But if, for example, you put a bed or dresser completely over it, it will make the room less comfortable since it will restrict the air movement.
We've seen how it can create safety hazards, mess with your home's heating and cooling, and even damage your bed. Blocked vents can cause fire risks, poor air quality, uneven temperatures, and moisture buildup. Instead of covering vents, try rearranging your furniture or using vent deflectors to direct airflow.
If furniture or drapes are blocking your heating vents, you're making your furnace work harder than it should. Blocked vents increase air pressure in your ductwork, which can create cracks and leaks. Clear vents ensure every room in your home gets good circulation so your system can work as designed.
You run the risk of causing damage to the heat exchanger
A buildup of pressure from air being pushed to covered vents can cause difficulties with your heat exchanger, causing it to shatter and release carbon monoxide into the atmosphere.
The Impact of a Blocked Air Vent on Your HVAC System
Even one blocked vent in the home can cause an inefficiency in air flow, which means your HVAC system will likely have to work harder to achieve the desired temperature. The result may be a home that is riddled with uneven temperatures from room to room.
Without proper ventilation, carbon monoxide can build up inside the house, which is incredibly dangerous as it can cause illness and potentially be fatal. As a result, many furnace manufacturers design their units so that they shut off automatically when the vent becomes blocked.
Dropping a mattress directly onto a floor vent will completely restrict the airflow and prevent the HVAC system from heating or cooling the space. This, in turn, can cause the HVAC system to work overtime, leading to premature wear and tear.
When air can not move effectively, a pressure buildup can get created inside your air ducts and also your HVAC device. This will inevitably produce less airflow as well as cause your heat exchanger to split which will certainly enable carbon monoxide gas to leak into your residence. You might create mold and mildew.
Allow Sufficient Clearance: It's generally recommended to leave at least 6 to 12 inches of clearance between your furniture and air vents. This clearance ensures that air can flow freely and reach all corners of the room. Sofas, chairs, and tables should be positioned away from the vents to prevent obstruction.
When a homeowner blocks off their baseboard heater with a piece of furniture or a blanket, it's very easy for the heater's airflow to become restricted. As a result, flammable items nearby are more likely to ignite and the heater itself becomes less effective at heating the home.
You will probably see one of two things - a gap between the inner and outer skins of the walls or the equivalent to a duct to the outside. If there is a gap between between both skins then you should be ok to cover up the inner skin. if it is the equivalent of a duct then I would block up the outside as well.
Safe Distance: Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from any furniture or flammable materials. Stable Surface: Place space heaters on a flat, stable surface to prevent tipping. Avoid High Traffic Areas: Position space heaters away from areas where they might be knocked over by pets or people.
There are many types of wood used for vent covers, but most often you'll find wood covers made of hardwoods, like oak, maple, and cherry. Sometimes you'll get a decorative wood vent cover that has a hardwood “body” with a thin veneer “face” so you can match to your existing materials if you plan to stain.
Simple answer, you should not place anything in front of your heater as it is not safe; this includes any kind of furniture, drapes, paper, bedding, and people.
Make sure that furniture like dressers, nightstands, and other pieces that could cover the vent are placed over it. When placing a run in the room, they should not overlap the vent. Again, these also need at least 6-12 inches of clearance and would work best if left totally open.
Most chairs and couches are elevated on legs and should allow for airflow. Avoid covering floor vents with rugs, carpets, or heavy drapery that would prevent airflow.
The myth behind closing your vents
Unfortunately, this is a common myth. Closing HVAC circulation to certain rooms may result in issues with your ducts. It creates a less efficient heating and cooling system and can be dangerous.
Heater placement:
Don't place in locations that are normal paths of travel. Maintain at least 36 inches between the heater and any flammable material including beds, clothing, furniture, curtains, or other flammable materials. Never drape or lay materials, such as wet clothing, over a space heater.
Most HVAC systems will function fine if a few vents are closed, but closing many vents at the same time is not advised. If you're closing vents for comfort, it's best if you only close them temporarily.
If they're electric, you want to keep anything potentially combustible several inches away to avoid a fire hazard. Hot water or steam can get quite warm (not to combustion temperatures), but might damage fine furniture or warp plastics if they are too close.
The quick answer is, Yes, it is OK to close air vents. But it's not recommended, especially if you close multiple vents all of the way and keep them closed.
Mice can get into the HVAC vents through holes or cracks in the ductwork. The cracks often result from temperature changes that cause the duct material to expand and contract. In fall, when temperatures are volatile and cold winter weather is on the way, mice will be more likely to invade your home, seeking shelter.
No, it's not safe to put furniture over the vents, especially if the vents are in the floor. This can affect the heating and air conditioning.