Nine Things to Blame for Stubbornly Cold Rooms in Your Home
Have you noticed inconsistent home heating this cold season? This issue happens when some rooms feel nice and cozy while others are significantly colder. There might be several reasons behind this comfort conundrum. Learn what could be creating these temperature disparities and how to solve them.
1. Blocked or Shut Vents
The cause of your problems: Your furnace distributes heated air throughout your home via air inlets and outlets called vents. If these are blocked, the disrupted 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, examine furniture, rugs and curtains that might be blocking airflow. If a room is too hot, make sure the registers in the other rooms are unblocked and feel like the same amount of air is coming out. If one or more registers is open but not very much air is flowing, there might be an issue with a damper or the duct directing 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, making your air clean. But a filthy, dirt-filled filter impedes airflow, making your heating system overexert and resulting in uneven heating. If warm air can’t get through the HVAC system easily, rooms farther from the furnace are made colder than you would like.
The remedy: Check and change the air filter for a clean one every one to three months, especially in the winter when the heating system runs more.
3. Your Home Needs More Insulation
The issue: Insufficient home insulation lets heat leak out, especially from rooms exposed to outside walls or the attic. This problem makes certain rooms challenging to heat, even when other areas of the house seem comfortable.
The remedy: Add more attic insulation to stop heat from rising out of your home. If your existing insulation looks good, you may be able to put more on top of it.
4. Your Windows and Doors Are Drafty
The problem: Single-pane windows and old, leaky doors are notorious for letting cold air inside, disrupting the indoor temperature. This problem is most common in old homes, where windows and doors don’t seal as tightly as they should.
The fix: Prevent drafts around doors and windows by installing weatherstripping or caulk. Insulated curtains and thermal blinds also keep the cold from entering. If these small fixes aren’t adequate to prevent cold spots, think about replacing your windows and exterior doors.
5. Air Is Leaking out of Your Ducts
The issue: Ductwork carries heated air around your home. If there’s a breach, warmth can escape before it can get to your living space.
The solution: Employ a professional to inspect your ductwork for leaks, which can often be sealed with metal tape or mastic sealant. In more serious cases, duct replacement may be necessary.
6. The Location of Your Thermostat
The issue: Your thermostat controls the heating system for your home. If it’s in a chilly or overly warm location, it may produce inaccurate readings, causing the system to run at the wrong times and leading to uneven temperatures.
The fix: If your thermostat is positioned near a drafty window or heat-generating appliance, consider relocating it. A technician from Crawford Services can help you move it to a better location where it can accurately measure the home’s overall temperature. For extra comfort, consider a smart thermostat, which enables remote temperature control and personalized heating schedules.
7. Your Furnace Is the Wrong Size
The culprit: A furnace that’s too small may fail to produce enough heat, and some rooms in your home may not get as warm as others. Conversely, an oversized furnace may turn on and off frequently, causing temperature fluctuations and increased wear and tear on your HVAC system.
The solution: Have a professional evaluate the furnace size in relation to your home’s dimensions, climate, insulation levels, window orientation and more. If your furnace is incompatible, consider upgrading to the right size for better heating performance and efficiency.
8. Your Home Has Multiple Floors
The problem: Heat naturally rises, which is why the second floor of your home is often nice and toasty while the first floor stays cool.
The remedy: Zoning your heating system allows you to regulate the temperature in different areas using individual thermostats and ductwork dampers. By doing this, you can direct warm air when and where you require it.
9. You Didn’t Schedule Routine HVAC Maintenance
The issue: Like any machinery, your furnace requires regular tune-ups to perform at its best. Without routine tune-ups, the system may experience issues that lower efficiency and prevent it from heating evenly.
The solution: Schedule professional maintenance once a year, preferably in the fall before the heating season arrives. Regular HVAC maintenance is an easy way to detect and fix problems before they cause performance issues.
Arrange for Furnace Services Today with Crawford Services
Uneven heating is a pain. If a quick fix doesn’t do the trick, call Crawford Services to help set things right. Our ACE-certified technicians provide fast, reliable solutions to all your home heating needs backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Don’t let another cold spot bring you down— contact Crawford Services by calling 469-523-7406 today to schedule furnace services with us.
