Summer is here, A/Cs are blasting, and an HVAC technician’s advice in a widely viewed TikTok has sparked a surprisingly heated debate. On June 24, a Fayetteville-based HVAC technician (@acmanheatingandair) claimed that you should never place a bed under an A/C vent. However, it left viewers with questions. The video has garnered over 95,400 views as of Friday.
“Never install a vent over a bed,” said the technician. “You’ll make the residents very uncomfortable.”
However, his advice came without any additional explanation, leaving many viewers confused and seeking answers.
Viewers question the logic
Many comments jokingly questioned the logic of this advice. “Never install a bed. under a vent,” quipped one commenter.
“The vent was there first,” wrote another.
Other comments explained that they prefer placing their beds under a vent to stay cool in the summer. “I love my A/C vent on my side wall blasting the cool air on me in the summertime,” said one user.
“Sounds very comfortable because I keep my AC at 67 all yr,” stated another. “I want it blowing on me.”
However, according to industry expertise, it appears these comments are surprisingly misguided.
What’s wrong with putting a bed under A/C vent?
Despite the technician’s lack of explanation, his advice is not unfounded. The Air Distribution Basics and Duct Design coursebook by CEDengineering.com explains that vent placement is critical to the comfort of a space.
The guide goes into far more detail on the science behind this phenomenon. “With the lower loads of the energy efficient house, the volume of air, measured in cubic feet per minute, required to condition the space is also lower, presenting challenges in selecting the air supply outlets. The air must be delivered in a manner that mixes the supply air with the room air without causing the sensation of a draft on the occupant.”
To simplify this concept, expert guidelines show that individuals are more comfortable when cool air is evenly distributed throughout a space. This is better than if air were concentrated by a draft. This means that when a bed is placed directly under the vent, the air is concentrated on one person. This creates the misleading sensation of thermal discomfort in the room.
@acmanheatingandair HVAC Tech Explains Where Not To Put a Vent
♬ original sound – A/C Man Heating and air
The Mary Sue reached out to @acmanheatingandair for comment and explanation.
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