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profdant139's avatar
profdant139
Explorer II
Jul 16, 2021

Does closing most A/C vents create back-pressure?

We have a very small trailer and a fairly big a/c unit -- over 13,000 BTUs, I think. (That's the way the trailer was equipped.) It gets cold in a hurry in there, which I personally like. But DW does not like it when the cold air blows on her, which I understand.

Aside from turning down the fan and turning up the thermostat, we have also tried shutting some of the various vents that are built in to the a/c unit.

My question is a simple one: if we close almost all of the vents, does that create back-pressure within the a/c unit? And if so, is that harmful to the unit?

Thanks in advance for your wisdom!
  • The reduced airflow over the evaporator can cause ice to form, and lead to a possible freeze up which is not good for the compressor. So you'd have to try it out and see if that happens. As far as the blower fan is concerned that offers no issue. Airflow CFM is directly proportional to current draw. Less airflow = less fan current.
  • Someone may know more than I do, but we used to do that exact same thing in our travel trailer, never had any problems. I would think maybe with less air flow it might ice up in some conditions, but never had that issue.

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