Fixing Uneven Heating And Cooling Problems
Many of us experience hot and cold spots in our home, whether it’s from floor to floor or room to room. That kind of inconsistent heating and cooling can rob us of comfort and leave us stashing layers of clothing throughout the house to combat the changes in temperature.
But clever clothing strategies aren’t really the best way to handle uneven temperatures in your NJ home. If you want to be comfortable year-round – anywhere in the house – you’re going to have to get to the bottom of the problem.
Let’s look at some common causes of uneven temps in your home.
Why You Have Hot And Cold Spots
Hot and cold spots in your home are typically caused by three factors: poor airflow within your heating system or cooling system, insufficient insulation, or air leaks.
More specifically, causes of hot and cold spots include:
- Inadequate airflow between the furnace or A/C and its vents
- Leaky or poorly installed ductwork
- A mis-sized HVAC system
- Drafts around windows and doorways between conditioned and unconditioned spaces
- A thermostat giving inaccurate readings (often due to placement)
As you might imagine, these problems aren’t always easy to diagnose without the right tools and training. An experienced HVAC contractor can help you identify the real cause of your heating and cooling issues and determine the best way to solve the problem.
Six Ways To Fix Hot And Cold Spots
If you’re experiencing uneven heating and cooling in your home, here are some possible solutions an expert might suggest, in order from the simplest to the most complex:
- Close unused vents – If you have a forced-air system, redirect conditioned air to rooms you use most.
- Check your air filter – In a forced-air system, a blocked air filter will make it difficult for your blower to force air through your ductwork; reduced airflow means less warm air in winter and less cool air in summer reaches your living space. Try replacing your air filter before moving on to more substantial measures.
- Seal air leaks – Caulk leaky window and door frames, install door sweeps, and add weatherstripping to door jambs to reduce drafts.
- Take care of your ducts – As much as 15 percent of the air you paid to heat or cool could be lost via cracks in your ducts before it ever reaches your living space. If you notice steadily rising bills, consider investing in a professional ductwork inspection – since many leaks are located behind walls and in hard-to-reach spaces, it’s not a DIY job.
- Service your equipment – Uneven heating and cooling could be a sign of a larger problem with your HVAC system, so make sure to schedule routine maintenance for your heating and cooling system every year.
- Add a supplemental heat pump system – If you have a larger home with distinct problem areas, it might make sense to supplement your central heating and cooling system with a mini-split ductless heat pump. Mini-split heat pumps provide targeted high-efficiency comfort year-round without the need to connect to your central duct system. They’re easy to install, run quietly, and work great!
Experiencing uneven heating and cooling in your home? JW Pierson’s expert HVAC technicians can help. Contact us today to learn more about cooling and heating system service in the Essex, Passaic, and Bergen County, NJ!
