How to Block the Heat Register Openings in a Floor
Heat registers are the small vents that are cut into the floor. These registers are connected to ducting that channels the heat and air conditioning through your home. Sometimes you may need to block the flow of heat and air conditioning through the register. If the vents are wood, it may be necessary to build your own airflow blocker. If your vents are metal, covering them takes much less effort. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Screwdriver
- Magnetic sheet
- Flashlight
- Mirror
- Cork sheet
- Utility knife
Instructions
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Metal Heat Registers
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1
Measure the size of the registers in the rooms you would like to block. Don't block more than 30 percent of the registers in your home. If you block more than 30 percent you can cause problems with your furnace and it can actually cost you more than if you had all of the vents open.
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2
Select a magnetic register cover for the metal floor registers. Before installing the cover be sure to shut the louvers of the floor register. Use a screw driver to remove the vent cover. Most floor registers have mobile louvers that are operated by a mechanical dial. When possible close off the in-duct damper. You may need to use a mirror and flashlight to locate the damper on your duct system.
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3
Cover metal registers with a magnetic sheet type cover. They simply align with the edges of the register and magnetically cling to the register.
Wooden Heat Registers
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4
Remove wooden or odd sized vents using a screwdriver.
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5
Measure and cut cork sheeting to fit snugly into the inner frame on the back side of the vent. Your cork sheet should fully block any vents.
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6
Close off the in-duct damper when possible and then reinstall the register vent with a screwdriver.
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Tips & Warnings
Ask your local furnace company to do an off-season evaluation of your home based on heating and air conditioning areas of your home that are not in use. Some heat and air conditioning systems are negatively affected by blocking ducting. Ask about having areas professionally blocked for long term solutions. Sometimes you can replace register vents with dummy vents. These are available at heating and air conditioning companies. You may still need to locate and close dampers.
Blocking heat and air conditioning may cause closed off rooms to develop mold and mildew. Allowing some heat into these rooms may be a better option.
