Viral DIY Hacks That Secretly Damage Your Home: Part 3 - The Energy-Saving Hacks That Don’t Work
Hey there! We’ve finally made it to the last part of our series on viral DIY hacks that do more harm than good. If you missed the first two parts where we talked about bathroom disasters and exterior blunders, you can catch up on Part 1 here and Part 2 here.
Today, we’re talking about the wallet. We all want to save money on utility bills, especially with the crazy weather we get here in the Salt Lake Valley. But some of the "energy-saving" advice floating around the internet can actually cost you more in repairs and higher bills.
1. The Aluminum Foil Window Trick
You’ve seen the photos: houses that look like they’re prepping for a space mission because every window is covered in tinfoil. The "hack" says this reflects heat and keeps your home cool.
While it may block some sunlight, it’s a bad idea for many windows. Foil can trap heat against the glass, and with modern double-pane windows, that extra heat stress may contribute to seal failure or, in some cases, cracked glass. Plus, it’s a total eyesore for your neighbors in Herriman. If you want real efficiency, it’s better to focus on proven upgrades like proper weatherstripping, blinds, or reflective window film designed for residential use.
2. Closing Vents in Unused Rooms
This is probably one of the most common myths we hear as a Utah Valley handyman. People think, "I’m not using the guest room, so I’ll close the vent to save money."
Don’t do it. Your HVAC system was designed and balanced for the specific layout of your home. Closing multiple vents can increase static pressure in the ductwork, forcing the blower motor and system components to work harder than intended. Over time, this can reduce efficiency, increase wear on the system, and in some cases contribute to premature component failure. For better airflow, it’s usually more effective to address filter changes, return airflow, and duct balancing issues.
3. The Thermostat "Gas Pedal" Myth
We’ve all been there: you walk into a hot house and crank the thermostat down to 60 degrees, thinking it will cool the house faster.
Here’s the truth: most residential AC systems cool at the same rate whether the thermostat is set to 72 or 60. Lowering it dramatically doesn’t make the air come out colder; it simply keeps the system running longer until the target temperature is reached. That can lead to unnecessary runtime, higher energy bills, and extra wear on the system. A programmable thermostat that keeps temperatures steady is almost always the smarter move.
4. Using "Duct Tape" on Your Ducts
It’s one of the biggest ironies in home repair: standard cloth duct tape is actually a poor long-term fix for HVAC ducts. The adhesive can dry out, become brittle, and fail over time, especially near temperature fluctuations.
If you have leaky ducts, you’re losing conditioned air and wasting money every month. Instead of the DIY silver tape hack, use UL-rated foil HVAC tape or duct mastic for a proper seal. If your bills suddenly spike, leaky ductwork is one of those hidden problems we often find during inspections.
Let the Pros Handle the Efficiency
Trying to save a buck shouldn’t cost you your HVAC system or your windows. If you want real, lasting energy savings, let’s do it the right way. Whether it’s sealing drafts or fixing home maintenance red flags, Your Handyman Pros is here to help.
