Nine Things to Blame for Stubbornly Cold Rooms in Your Home
Have you noticed uneven home heating this winter? This dilemma happens when some rooms seem nice and cozy while others are significantly colder. There might be several culprits causing this uncomfortable problem. Explore what could be triggering these temperature disparities and how to solve them.
1. Your Vents Are Blocked or Closed
The problem: Your furnace moves heated air throughout your home via air inlets and outlets called vents. If these are shut, the altered airflow creates hot and cold spots in your home.
The fix: Make sure all the vents are unobstructed, especially if certain rooms aren’t getting enough heat. Then, check furniture, rugs and curtains that might be impeding airflow. If a room is too hot, make sure the registers in the other rooms are able to let air flow freely and feel like the same amount of air is flowing. If one or more registers is open but not a lot of air is flowing, there could be an issue with a damper or the duct forcing the air to go where it is not needed.
2. Your Air Filter Is Dirty
The issue: Your furnace air filter traps dust, pollen and other airborne particles, keeping your air clean. But a filthy, dirt-filled filter blocks airflow, making your heating system strain and can cause uneven heating. If warm air can’t get through the HVAC system easily, rooms farther from the furnace are left colder than they should be.
The fix: Inspect and replace the air filter for a clean one every one to three months, especially in the winter when the heating system runs more.
3. Poor Insulation
The challenge: Inadequate home insulation allows heat to escape, especially from rooms next to outside walls or the attic. This problem makes certain rooms more difficult to heat, even when other spaces of the house are comfortable.
The remedy: Update your attic insulation to stop heat from rising out of your home. If your current insulation is in good shape, you may be able to put more on top of it.
4. Your Windows and Doors Are Drafty
The issue: Single-pane windows and old, leaky doors are notorious for letting cold air inside, driving down the indoor temperature. This problem is most prevalent in old homes, where windows and doors don’t seal as tightly as they should.
The solution: Prevent drafts around doors and windows by applying weatherstripping or caulk. Insulated curtains and thermal blinds also block the cold from entering. If these small fixes aren’t adequate to prevent cold spots, consider replacing your windows and exterior doors.
5. Air Is Leaking out of Your Ducts
The issue: Ductwork moves heated air around your home. If there’s a break in the ducts, warmth can seep out before it can get to your living space.
The fix: Employ an HVAC specialist to inspect your ductwork for leaks, which can often be sealed with metal tape or mastic sealant. In more severe cases, duct substitution may be necessary.
6. You Need to Move Your Thermostat
The dilemma: Your thermostat manages the heating system for your home. If it’s in a breezy or unusually warm location, it may produce inaccurate readings, causing the system to run at the wrong times and leading to uneven temperatures.
The solution: If your thermostat is positioned near a drafty window or heat-generating appliance, think about relocating it. A technician from Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, Inc. can help you move it to a better location where it can accurately gauge the home’s average temperature. For extra comfort, consider a smart thermostat, which allows for remote temperature control and tailored heating schedules.
7. Your Furnace Is the Wrong Size
The culprit: An undersized furnace struggles to heat your home, and some rooms in your home may not get as warm as others. Conversely, a furnace that’s too large may cycle on and off frequently, causing temperature fluctuations and increased wear and tear on your HVAC system.
The solution: Have a professional assess the furnace size in relation to your home’s area, climate, insulation levels, window orientation and more. If your furnace is incompatible, think about upgrading to the right size for better heating effectiveness and efficiency.
8. Multilevel Home Challenges
The problem: Heat naturally rises, meaning the second floor of your home is often hot while the main floor stays cold.
The solution: Zoning your heating system allows you to regulate the temperature in different areas using independent thermostats and ductwork dampers. By doing this, you can direct warm air when and where you require it.
9. Lack of Regular HVAC Maintenance
The problem: Like any machine, your furnace needs regular tune-ups to function efficiently. Without routine care, the system may develop issues that diminish efficiency and prevent it from heating evenly.
The way to fix the problem: Schedule professional maintenance once a year, preferably in the fall before the heating season starts. Routine HVAC maintenance is an easy way to find and fix problems before they lead to performance issues.
Get Dependable Furnace Services Today with Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, Inc.
Uneven heating is a problem. If a simple fix doesn’t do the trick, choose Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, Inc. to fix the problem. Our ACE-certified technicians provide fast, reliable solutions to all your home HVAC challenges backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Don’t let another cold spot get you down— get in touch with Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, Inc. by calling 440-394-7046 today to arrange furnace services with us.
