I get the logic behind not blocking vents, but in some cases, partial closure (not a full seal) can actually help balance temps if you’re careful. It’s not ideal, and you gotta watch for weird noises or pressure changes, but I’ve seen it work in places with oversized systems. Maybe not for everyone, though. Sometimes it feels like there’s no perfect fix unless you’re ready to rip out walls and redo all the ductwork... which isn’t happening on my budget.
I’ve tried the partial vent closure trick too, especially in our old place where the furnace was way oversized. It did help a bit, but I always worried about stressing the blower motor. Ended up using those magnetic vent covers for a while—kinda janky, but it bought us some time. Honestly, air balancing feels like a weird mix of science and guesswork unless you can afford to do it right.
Man, I hear you on the blower motor worries. I’ve seen more than a few fried ones from folks getting a little too creative with vent covers or closing off rooms. Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do, though—especially in those old houses where the heat just blasts out unevenly. I once used a stack of books to prop open a stubborn damper... not my proudest fix, but it worked for a bit. Air balancing really is part science, part “let’s cross our fingers and hope.” If only every house came with a manual for this stuff.
I get the urge to improvise, but honestly, blocking vents or forcing dampers can backfire in the long run. I’ve found that a little patience with manual balancing—adjusting each register a bit at a time—works better than quick fixes. It’s tedious, but you avoid stressing the blower or ductwork. Sometimes it’s just trial and error, but I’d rather take it slow than risk a burnt-out motor.
Manual balancing definitely beats just shoving a towel in a vent, but I gotta ask—how old’s your ductwork? Sometimes it’s not just about register tweaks. I’ve seen plenty of setups where the trunk line’s undersized or there’s a leak somewhere, and no amount of fiddling with dampers fixes that. Ever checked for leaks or looked at the insulation? Sometimes the “trial and error” never ends because there’s a bigger issue hiding.
