Smart Vents – Are They Worth the Money?

Many homeowners find that some rooms in their homes are always cooler or warmer than others. These problem areas can be challenging to fix without investing in a full-scale zoning system, but smart vents aim to solve these problems by allowing you to control air flow between different parts of the home. However, can these motorized vents actually make your home more comfortable and save energy costs at the same time?

Essentially, smart vents are designed to open and close depending on the room’s occupancy sensors. They then work with your heating and cooling system to redirect airflow around the house in order to balance temperatures. The result is less heat in unused spaces and better temperature control throughout the home.

The best smart vents are compatible with most major smart home hubs and platforms. They’re easy to connect to and can be controlled using a smartphone app. Some offer advanced features like the ability to view current or historical usage of your HVAC system and even diagnose potential issues such as a disconnected vent or an unresponsive thermostat. Using smart vents in conjunction with a smart thermostat can help you optimize your HVAC system and keep your family comfortable all year round.

Unlike a smart thermostat, which only turns your furnace and air conditioner on and off, smart vents can open and close the supply valves within the ductwork. They’re also capable of adjusting the airflow direction to specific rooms in your home, which can improve comfort and reduce energy costs. Smart vents are available in a wide range of sizes and styles, from floor-to-ceiling models for high-ceilinged rooms to decorative vent covers.

Are Smart Vents Worth the Money?

After these smart vents were initially released, heating and air conditioning experts began to weigh in on them, expressing some professional concern. They claim that closing off one vent will create too much pressure on your blower and reduce the amount of airflow to other vents. They also argue that if your HVAC system was installed properly, this would not be the case.

To address these concerns, smart vent manufacturers have begun to design more durable and resilient products. In addition to improved construction, they’re focusing on making their systems more communicative and responsive. For example, they’re now allowing users to see how long their vents have been open or closed in the mobile app, rather than simply showing the current setting. Additionally, they’re improving their customer support by providing troubleshooting guides and implementing a live chat feature that lets you talk with a technician at any time.

If you’re considering buying a set of smart vents to improve your home’s temperature control, you should do some research first. There’s a good chance you’ll find that these solutions aren’t as effective at reducing hot and cold spots as they say they are. But if you do decide to go for it, there are some other ways that you can save on your utility bills, such as fixing leaks in your insulation or checking the weather stripping of your doors and windows.