If you have noticed that there are certain spots in your home which feel particularly hot or cold, you are not alone. You’re also not going crazy or sensing a ghost.
There are several factors that can make your home feel hotter or colder in certain areas, including:
- How many windows there are in your house and how much sun they get
- How much insulation you have and its quality
- When your home was built
- Other general home layout factors
Fortunately, there are also several things you can do to reduce the amount of hot and cold spots in your house, or at least make them less noticeable. Here are some tips to help you get started.
Make Sure You’re Not Blocking Any Air Vents
This is one of the most common culprits behind uneven heating and cooling. You’d be surprised how easy it is for homeowners not to notice that a piece of furniture, curtains, or other items are blocking the HVAC return vent. When items are in the way, even partially, the flow of conditioned air is impeded, which can cause the room to feel too hot or too cold depending on which system you have running. If you have a return vent in your floor or low on a wall, make sure there is nothing on or over them.
Check Windows and Doors for Drafts
It’s possible that the reason parts of your home seem unable to maintain a comfortable temperature is because your windows or doors aren’t properly sealed. Even the smallest gaps can let out conditioned air. Not only is this bad for your comfort, it’s bad for your wallet as well. To prevent escaping air from driving up energy costs and causing hot or cold spots in your home, add weatherstripping or caulk where needed. If you live in an older home and have particularly stubborn drafts, you may wish to consider reglazing your windows or doors or replacing them altogether.
Check Your Insulation
Although you may not think about it very often since you don’t see it, your insulation is perhaps the most important part of keeping your home comfortable. Insulation works by keeping conditioned air from escaping your home, therefore making it more energy efficient. In other words, insulation is what helps your home stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Without proper insulation, you’re likely to pay more money on your energy bills for wasted air conditioning or heating. If your home isn’t insulated or you’ve noticed that your insulation does not appear to be in good condition, it’s a good idea to call a professional installer.
Consider HVAC Zoning
HVAC zoning utilizes multiple thermostats to control different parts of your home. For example, a two-story home might have two thermostats, with one controlling each level. This setup can provide you with more control over where and when conditioned air is circulated through your home. Invest in good thermostats that can control dampers and adjust different temperatures in different rooms, and you should be able to customize your heating and cooling experience and save money on energy costs in the long run as well.
Have Your Air Ducts Cleaned or Repaired
Although duct cleaning and repair may seem like the last thing to come to mind for controlling indoor temperatures, it can actually help your home a lot. Dirty air ducts contain obstructions that make it more difficult for your HVAC system to work efficiently, which results in more wear and tear on your system, higher energy bills, and hot or cold spots in your home. Similarly, damaged air ducts also allow conditioned air to escape before it reaches the interior of your home, which means you’re wasting money and still not enjoying even, consistent indoor temperatures. A professional duct cleaning or air duct repair service can eliminate anything that is restricting airflow.
All Pro Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical has you covered for all indoor climate control needs. Call us today at (909) 500-8193 for help troubleshooting hot or cold spots in your San Bernardino County home.
