Everyone wants their homes to feel comfortable. A balanced temperature throughout a house is one of the main parts of providing comfort to people. The temperature shouldn’t vary from room to room. However, hot and cold spots in house do happen, causing discomfort.

The good news is that central HVAC systems can provide a steady temperature from room to room. When a system fails to do this, we should try to figure out what the problem is and then fix it.

Are there cold spots and hots throughout your home? In this article, we discuss some common causes for hot and cold spots and the best ways to solve them.

Cold/Hot Spots: What Causes Them?

Several issues could be behind cold and hot spots. Figuring out the root cause of them can make getting rid of them much easier. With that said, a few of the top reasons include:

1. How The Home Is Built

Sometimes the design of the home is the culprit. It may be built in a way that makes it difficult for air to flow. In turn, some parts of the home will feel cold, while others will feel warm. If your home doesn’t have zoning, then this too could be the reason for cold and hot spots.

HVAC zoning offers more flexible control over your home’s temperatures. You can vary the temperatures in different zones of the home. This is an excellent way to remain comfortable.

2. The HVAC Ductwork

Air travels via the HVAC ductwork in your home. This is why it can play a role in creating hot and cold spots in the home. The ductwork may not have been properly designed for your duct system. Also, it may not be the right size.

If your home is older, then either one of those is likely the case. This is because older ducts might not be capable of handling new HVAC equipment technology, modern demands, and the ducts may no longer be energy efficient.

3. Blocked HVAC Air Vents

In two-story homes, balancing heat can be a challenge. You’re not alone, though, because a lot of people find that this is hard to do. Even if you have a high-quality HVAC system installed, uneven temperatures can still occur if you have blocked vents. The same goes if the airflow is restricted. Your home will feel warmer or colder than it should if there is anything that obstructs smooth airflow.

4. Solar Heat Gain

Even if an HVAC professional performs regular maintenance work on your HVAC system, your home could still have cold and hot spots. This can be due to solar heat gain. This is likely to happen in areas that get a lot of sunlight. Homes that don’t have high-efficiency windows tend to let more sunlight into the home; Which means more heat enters the home. In turn, your home’s temperature and HVAC system will be affected.

5. The Location Of The Thermostat

Your thermostat won’t be able to read temperatures if it’s in the path of heating/cooling sources, such as direct sunlight. Make sure your thermostat is installed in a place that doesn’t receive direct sunlight or drafty areas.

6. Air Leaks

Air leaks can cause cold and hot spots. Air leaks can occur where walls and ceilings meet. They also occur at windows. If such areas have cracks, holes, or gaps, then air might leak out. In turn, the temperature will drastically change.

7. The Wrong Sized HVAC Equipment

It is important that homeowners have HVAC equipment that is the right size. It should not be too big or small for the property. Consequently, if it’s too small or big, your system won’t work as efficiently as it should. Not only that, but you’ll be at higher risk of experiencing issues such as poor indoor air equality, short cycling, and imbalanced temperatures, to name a few.

Ways To Get Rid Of Hot/Cold Spots

There are several ways to get rid of cold and hot spots. In fact, some solutions are cheap and very easy. A few of the different ways to eliminate hot and cold spots include:

Unblock HVAC Air Vents

Inspect all the air vents throughout your home. Check to see if there is anything on them or in front of them. This includes things such as plants, curtains, and furniture. Anything that is blocking the vent should be removed. If the vents are closed, then open them because air won’t be able to enter the room.

Check For Drafts

The truth is that drafts can cause homeowners a lot of money in energy costs. Cracks, holes and gaps can cause drafts. When air is allowed to escape, then your system could be forced to work harder than it should. Inspect your home for sources of drafts. This includes cracks in joints or issues with the windows and things of that nature.

Insulation

Older homes often have outdated insulation. Sometimes older homes don’t have any insulation. Even newer homes will sometimes not have sufficient insulation. Whatever the case is, temperatures can fluctuate due to lack of insulation. If possible, have an expert inspect your insulation and, if need be, reinstall high-quality insulation.

Use Good Thermostats And Use Zoning

You can remove hot and cold spots by using zoning. Zoning refers to decreasing and increasing temperatures in certain parts of the home for customizable comfort. You can have different temperatures in different rooms. If you want to learn about zoning options, then speak to a professional HVAC tech. While you’re at it, ask them about the benefits of ductless mini-split systems. Besides that, you should use a smart thermostat, as this will help you automatically adjust temperatures.

Schedule HVAC Maintenance Regularly

Most homeowners tend to ignore getting HVAC maintenance done on their system. They wait until their system actually starts to malfunction. You should have each system inspected annually, as this will help identify possible issues while improving efficiency and comfort.

Clean The Air Filters

When there are airflow issues, sometimes it can be caused by a clogged air filter. Many people do not check their air filters regularly, but it’s one of the best ways to keep consistent temperatures. You should check the filters at least once per month. If needed, then clean them or you can replace them altogether, depending on your system.

Window Coverings

Perhaps the quickest and cheapest way to fix cold and hot spots is to use window coverings. This includes blinds and curtains, which can limit the amount of sun or cold air that gets through the window. The less sun and cold air that gets into the home, the less that your HVAC system has to work.

Call McAllister Energy For Reliable And Professional Home Comfort Services

Eliminating hot and cold spots in a home doesn’t have to be difficult. Sometimes the issues that are causing hot and cold spots are not that serious. All it takes is a few steps to try to fix the issues.

McAllister Energy provides quality heating and cooling services to residents throughout the area. Our technicians are the best at what they do and they are all NATE certified. We can provide you with HVAC services such as replacements, tune-ups, installations, and repairs. You can count on all of our techs to be highly skilled and knowledgeable.

By working with us, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re in the best of hands. Our rates are competitive, and all of our work is covered by a guarantee. Our services prioritize customer support, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, comfort, and much more. If you would like to receive a free estimate or you have questions about our company or services, then feel free to give McAllister Energy a call today.
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