It’s not uncommon for there to be hot and cold spots in different areas of your home. While it’s not a serious issue, it can be frustrating to sweat in one room only to freeze in another.
Find out what causes these uneven temperatures throughout your home and what you can do to make a difference.
The Problem with Hot and Cold Spots in Your Home
Aside from the frustration and annoyance factors, noticeable temperature fluctuations throughout your home affects the overall temperature in your home. This takes away the comfort you are able to experience in all rooms of your home.
Being warm in one room and cold in another may result in more thermostat adjustments in an effort to enjoy more consistent temperatures. You shouldn’t have to repeatedly adjust your thermostat and while doing so, run the risk of higher energy bills.
The worst-case scenario with Inconsistent temperatures is that there might be a problem with your HVAC system.
While a call to an HVAC professional for an inspection is never a bad idea, try these things first.
Change the Filter
As you probably know by now, the first and easiest thing to do is to change the air filter.
A clogged or dirty filter negatively affects proper airflow, which may be a big reason for those hot and cold spots.
Not only do dirty or clogged filters reduce proper airflow, they also make your entire HVAC system work harder to get air through them.
The less airflow is getting through, the longer it takes to regulate temperatures throughout the home.
Keeping on top of filter changes keeps air flowing, improves air quality, and prolongs the life of your HVAC system.
Broken Seals or Leaks
Another potential reason for uneven temperatures is that you may have broken seals or weatherstripping around doors or windows, causing air leaks, drafts, or cool air to escape from inside.
Replace cracked or damaged seals and weatherstripping around doors and windows, or seal window air leaks with caulk.
While checking for air leaks, inspect your ductwork at the same time to make sure air is not escaping through cracks or spaces. If you discover small leaks, duct tape should help. Larger holes or cracks should be addressed by an HVAC professional.
Vents and Registers
Check your vents and registers first to make sure they are open and working. Secondly, check for anything that may be blocking or clogging them. Relocate any rugs, furniture or other obstructions that can block airflow from your vents and registers.
All of your vents and registers should remain at least partially open because if they are not, it throws off the efficiency of your entire HVAC system.
Proper Insulation
If your home isn’t adequately insulated, both hot and cool air can escape through exterior walls and the attic.
Adding extra insulation in the attic will make a huge difference in air loss and comfort levels.
Conclusion
While hot and cold spots are a very common experience, know that you don’t have to live with unstable and uncomfortable temperatures in your home.
To solve this problem permanently, schedule an inspection appointment with the heating and cooling professionals at Dale HCS in Santa Rosa.