Even well-maintained HVAC systems can struggle to eliminate hot or cold spots in your home. Using air vent deflectors, also known as air vent diverters, provides an affordable and simple solution. Using vent deflectors efficiently can improve comfort and play a supporting role in lowering your home's energy bill.

What Is an Air Deflector? 

Air vent deflectors are small, easy-to-install adjustable hoods that direct the flow of air emitted from your home's HVAC vents. There are dozens of options, but most vent diverters are made from plastic and can be adjusted to fit securely on your home's air vents.

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What Does an Air Vent Deflector Do? 

Air vent deflectors direct the warm or cool air from your vents to the preferred area of the room. It may seem simple, but directing air more efficiently can reduce hot or cold spots. Deflectors solve other problems, such as:

  • Redirecting air from vents that are partially obstructed by furniture
  • Moving air toward the center of the room
  • Diverting air away from plants that might be impacted by hot or cold air
  • Directing air away from your favorite chair, bed, or desk to avoid being too warm or cold
  • Directing air away from a window, which may be the source of hot or cold air from outdoors

Yes, Air Deflectors Do Work! 

Air diverters are an effective and simple way to push treated air where you need it most. You won't need to install these handy devices on every vent in your home. Instead, focus on placing them in rooms that struggle to maintain temperatures consistent with the rest of your home.

Choosing the Right Type of Air Vent Diverter 

While most residential HVAC systems rely on floor vents, there's a good chance you have at least one or two vents in the ceiling or wall. These may require slightly different vent designs to be compatible with your home's vents, so check with the manufacturer's installation steps to make sure it will work.

Wall-mounted vent deflectors are limited in how effectively they can direct airflow toward the middle of a room, although the vent should accomplish that without a cover. Instead, adjust your deflector seasonally.

  • Heating season – Warm air rises, so turn your deflectors to point up to move warm air from your heating system more efficiently.
  • Cooling season – Cold air sinks, which means downward-facing vents will be more efficient when using your AC unit.

Divert Air Flow, But Avoid Closing Vents Completely 

For heat or AC, vent deflectors are not bad for your system – closing your vents, however, can be a problem. Covering your vents completely can worsen airflow by pushing too much air into other areas of the home. If indoor humidity levels are high, it can also increase the risk of mold and mildew in the ductwork near the closed vent. Homeowners struggling with this level of inefficient airflow should contact their local One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning for professional assistance.

There's Comfort in the Details 

Installing air vent deflectors is just one of the ways to make your home more comfortable and efficient. Discover more ways to lower your energy bill with a call to your friendly, professional One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning technicians. Request an appointment online or call today!