When the summer heat hits, it can be difficult to keep your home cool. Despite running your air conditioning system, you may still find hot spots in certain rooms of your house—particularly in large rooms or in multi-story homes. This problem can be caused by a variety of factors, such as insufficient insulation, a damaged AC system, or ventilation issues.
Fortunately, there are ways to address these issues that can not only boost your comfort but also lower your energy bills. In this article, we’ll explore the causes of hot spots when the AC is on and provide solutions for keeping those areas cooler during warmer months.
7 Reasons Why Your AC Isn’t Cooling Evenly
Air conditioners are complex machines, which means there isn’t always just one reason for insufficient cooling. Below are just a few potential issues that could be affecting how conditioned air circulates through your home.
- Insufficient insulation: Without adequate insulation, conditioned air will escape through gaps and cracks in walls and ceilings, leading to temperature fluctuations that create hot spots. Insufficient insulation can also force your heating and cooling systems to run for longer, lowering their efficiency and leading to higher energy bills.
- Cracks in doors or windows: Similarly to insufficient insulation, cracks in your doors and windows, including tears in weather-resistant seals, can cause the conditioned air to leak out of your home. This is also why many professionals recommend that you keep doors and windows closed when you are running your AC.
- Blocked ducts or vents: Your ductwork acts as the highway for your conditioned air to travel through your home. So, when ducts and vents are blocked by dust, debris, or other obstructions, it prevents air from properly circulating throughout the space—leading to uneven temperature fluctuations.
- Problems with your thermostat settings: The thermostat is an integral part of your air conditioner, as it allows you to set a desired temperature. If the thermostat is malfunctioning or not calibrated correctly, it can lead to an incorrect reading of the temperature in a specific area and consequently, inadequate AC performance. It is recommended to get familiar with your thermostat’s settings and routinely check it for signs of damage or wear and tear.
- Clogged air filter: Congested air filters can restrict the amount of air flowing through your AC system. This can lead to reduced efficiency and performance, as the air conditioner has difficulty pushing cool air throughout the room. A blocked filter also prevents dirt and dust from being removed from the system, which can damage important components.
- Low refrigerant levels: Low refrigerant levels can lead to your AC not being able to produce cold air, resulting in hot air being circulated throughout your room. Low refrigerant levels can occur due to regular wear and tear or leakages in the unit. Signs of low refrigerant include a lack of cold air, weak airflow, increased noise from the compressor, and frost build-up around the evaporator coils.
- Malfunctioning AC components: Even small components can have a big impact on the health of your AC. This is particularly true when condenser coils, evaporator coils, a compressor, or a fan motor become damaged or worn out. In these cases, the unit will not be able to distribute cold air properly—preventing the room from cooling down.
Solutions for Keeping Your Room Cooler During Summers
When dealing with a hot and humid spot in your home, the sooner you act the better. It is recommended to do a cursory inspection of your thermostat, AC unit, and vents. If anything seems amiss, it’s important to contact an experienced HVAC technician as soon as possible. The technician can quickly diagnose the issue and walk you through your options to restore adequate cooling.
If nothing seems to be wrong with your system, it might be useful to look into installing a ductless heat pump in the room. Contrary to the name, these systems efficiently heat and cool your space. This can be especially effective in large or oddly shaped rooms, as it allows you to section off your space into zones.
If you live in Ontario, CA or any of the surrounding areas, call All Pro Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical at (909) 500-8193. We offer fast and reliable air conditioning services—including 24/7 repairs, so you don’t have to sit in discomfort for long.