Too Hot to Handle, Too Cold to Hold
A very common concern around this time of year is the presence of cold and hot spots. One room is comfortable, another too hot, and another too cool. Keeping your entire home a comfortable temperature can be a challenge, and it also may be costing you more in utility bills, as the Department of Energy finds. In this post we will go over some of the most frequent causes of uneven heat distribution and cold spots.
For the most part, structures in our region use central HVAC units for heating as well as air-conditioning. HVAC units are systems that warm or cool circulating air which flows through ducts and spreads evenly around your home or business. Although you may think the poor heat distribution is the result of your system, it may stem from air leaks or poor insulation. As such, a careful inspection of the causes below is a good idea. You may also want to call Cooper Mechanical to schedule a home energy audit to make sure your heating system is energy and cost-efficient.
Top Causes of Hot and Cold Spots
- Air Ducts Are Leaking: Warm air may be escaping from gaps in the ductwork. This can create weaker airflow and cooler rooms for those furthest from the HVAC system. A leaking duct is also driving up your utility bill. Thankfully, seal patches or specialty tape can easily fix this problem.
- Poor Insulation: The ducts moving the warm air through your home are often made of a thin sheet metal. In colder months, they don’t effectively retain heat. Cold spots can easily occur as a result. Similarly, poorly insulated windows and doors may make some rooms cold while others remain comfortable. Another common culprit is poor or nonexistent weather stripping. This causes gaps through which cold air can easily creep. In this case, test for air leaks around windows and doors to find your home’s weak spots.
- Your HVAC System Is Too Small or Big for Your Home: Heating and cooling systems should be appropriate for your home’s square footage and contours. A system too large or small could result in hot or cold spots. This is especially true for renovated home as well as homes with additions. In this case, calling a Cooper professional to assess your home’s needs is the best plan of action.
- You Need Better Zoning: Home HVAC systems often use zoning, which allows homeowners to control temperatures around the house using separate thermostats. For example, it makes sense to have multiple zones in a 2-story home: one for upstairs and one for downstairs. An unzoned home is using one setting for an entire home, which may not warm or cool the entire home evenly. Moving to a zoned system may be a large up-front expense, though. But in the long run, it can lead to more balanced heating and cooling as well as future energy savings.
- Blocks and Obstructions: Cold spots may be the result of a clogged or blocked vent. It may even be as simple as having furniture in front of a grill or vent, weakening airflow. Walk through each room of your home and check vents to make sure they are open; check and replace filters to ensure strong airflow.
We’ll Get You Balanced
If you are too hot or too cold, or maybe a little bit of both, don’t worry. Cooper Mechanical Services is proud to have served the HVAC needs of the Grand Strand region for nearly 30 years. Let our professionals troubleshoot your hot or cold spots, and stay tuned for future posts exploring some of the things you can do at home to address air leaks and improve airflow.