Why does cold draft air come out of my vents when my heating is off in my house?

Question

I have a combination AC/furnace system in my home. The same vents that provide my AC in the summer also provide heating in the winter. I have noticed that when my heating is off in the winter, I can feel cold draft air coming from the vents in my home. What is this and how can I stop this from occuring? Why is cold draft air coming out of the vents?

Answer 1

If you have a basement, the cooler air will circulate through the vents when the fan is not running. If you have an air scuttle (a vent pipe to the exterior that brings in fresh air when the system is running) this will allow air into the system when it is off, especially if there is no backdraft damper.

If you do have an air scuttle, put a damper on the vent pipe. Or you could install a heat recovery ventilator which will help. It can be costly (about $1200).

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Have you checked the setting for your fan? My system has a "fan only" setting which circulates air in the house. If the heat is off, it will circulate cool air. With this setting it will continue to run whether or not you are using air conditioning or heat. Just a thought.
Liz

Answer 4

OH my god this happens to me also!!!! Seriously I think the best thing to do is to place plastic covers on the vents when it's off but then again when it gets cold we need the heat so we would need to take them off...gosh! I don't know...i really think there's nothing to do. Hopefully someone can give us tips!

Answer 5

I stay in MN and it happens right here each and every iciness. there is extremely no longer something you're able to do approximately it besides making specific the dryer door is often close tightly so no chilly air comes into your place.

Answer 6

You got some duct work that has come loose in the attic space. Take a look up there with your flashlight.