Many homeowners have problems with uneven heating and cooling, either room by room or floor by floor. Cold spots and inconsistent heat are common problems that homeowners face. Fortunately, there are several solutions to resolve uneven heating and cooling issues in your house. Keep reading to learn about some of the most effective solutions from our HVAC contractors.
Causes of Uneven Heating or Cooling
If you have a two-story home, you might have noticed that the upstairs stays too warm in the summer or too cold in winter. Or, certain rooms never seem to reach the right temperature. Whatever problem you’re experiencing, uneven heating or cooling is often caused by one or more factors, including poor airflow in your heating system, inadequate insulation, or drafts in your home. More specifically, causes include:
- Restricted airflow between the furnace and vents
- Leaky or poorly installed ductwork
- Improperly sized heating system
- Drafts
- A thermostat giving inaccurate readings
These challenges are hard to diagnose and require a professional HVAC contractor to identify the source of the problem and determine the best course of action for resolution. Below we identify several ways to fix uneven zones in your home.
Check your vents
Blocked vents and registers are one of the leading causes of hot and cold spots throughout your home. Ensure drapes, furniture, and rugs aren’t obstructing supply and return vents. And while many homeowners think it’s a good idea to close or block vents when they aren’t in use, that’s never a wise choice.
Try running the fan
The fan on your thermostat is usually set to auto. That means it will only run when your HVAC system is actively heating or cooling. However, if you switch this setting to on, the fan will run continuously, circulating air through your home. When the fan is on, it helps even out the temperatures that may be inconsistent. Keep in mind that running the fan continuously may increase your energy costs.
Check ducts for leaks
If you have leaky ducts, the air meant to go to a specific room will partially seep out before it arrives. Unfortunately, many homeowners are unaware of this problem, and the average duct system loses around 20-30% of its conditioned air to cracks and gaps. Because ducts are located in hard-to-reach areas like your attic or beneath the floor, it’s best to call a professional to evaluate your ducts.
Add insulation
If you’re looking for a simple solution to hot and cold spots throughout your home, you can add insulation to your attic. The extra insulation will help the temperature stay more consistent all year round.
Consider adding a zoning temperature control system
A zoned system divides your home into at least two heating and cooling zones, typically the upstairs and downstairs (if you have a two-story home), to cool and heat these areas at different temperatures. While this can be a significant investment, it can be one of the most efficient ways to deal with an unevenly heated and cooled home.
Heating and Air Conditioning Repair With Raynor Services
If you’re tired of uneven temperatures throughout your house, contact Raynor Services at (609) 845-3460. After inspecting your current HVAC system, we can help you determine the best solution for your home. Whether you require air conditioning or heating repair or need a complete replacement, know our team is here to help.
