Your home should be a place of comfort and relaxation, but if you’re constantly battling uneven heating, that may not be the case. Uneven heating in the home can be a real pain. It’s especially bothersome in the winter when you just want to cozy up in your warm house.
There are a few reasons why your home might have uneven heating. Learn more about these reasons and what you can do to address the issue.
Consider Your Home’s Layout
If your home is not heating evenly, it may be because the layout of your home is not conducive to efficient heating and cooling. For example, if your living room is on the south side of the house, it will probably get more sun than the north side. As a result, it will be warmer in the summer and cooler in the winter.
If you have a two-story home, heat rises, so the second floor will usually be warmer than the first floor. If you have high ceilings in some rooms, that can also impact how evenly heat is distributed throughout your home.
While you may be tempted to close off vents or doors in certain areas and focus on heating the spaces that you use most often, this is the wrong thing to do. Closing vents affects air pressure in your home and makes your HVAC system work harder to distribute heat. In some cases, this can lead to a complete system breakdown. Instead, consider investing in zoned temperature control to ensure that heat is distributed evenly throughout your home. Our technicians can examine your layout and set up a zoning system to keep temperatures nice and even.
Check Your Furnace Filter
If you’ve noticed that one room in your house is warmer or cooler than another, it could be due to a clogged furnace filter. All of the air that blows through your furnace is sent through the filter. So, if it becomes clogged, it can cause uneven heating. A dirty furnace filter can restrict airflow and make it harder for your furnace to do its job properly. In general, you should change your furnace filter at least every 90 days, but you may need more frequent filter changes if you live in a house with pets or a smoker.
In addition to checking your furnace filter, you should also regularly vacuum the vents and registers in your home. This will help to remove any dirt or dust that might be blocking the airflow. By taking these simple steps, you can help to ensure that all of the rooms in your house are evenly heated.
Check Your Air Ducts for Leaks
While many people give little thought to their ductwork, it plays a very important role in keeping your home comfortable year-round. Over time, the joints in your ductwork can loosen, allowing heated or cooled air to escape. This not only makes your HVAC system work harder (and use more energy), but it also means that some rooms in your home won’t be getting the full benefit of the heat or air conditioning.
To see if this is the case, take a look at your ductwork. If you notice any gaps or cracks, it’s time to call in a professional to seal up the leaks and improve the efficiency of your HVAC system. Not only will this make your home more comfortable, but it could also help you save money on your energy bills.
Check Your Thermostat
If your home has uneven heating, it’s a good idea to check your thermostat to see if the problem is temperature control. If the thermostat is set too low, the furnace may not be able to keep up with the demand. This can lead to cold spots in the house. Also, if the thermostat is located in a spot that’s drafty or gets direct sunlight, it may not be reading the temperature accurately, leading to poor temperature control.
Rule Out Short-Cycling
Short cycling is when your furnace or AC turns on and off more frequently than normal. This can be caused by a number of factors, including a dirty air filter, a thermostat set too low or high, or a faulty blower motor. Short cycling may also be due to an improperly sized heating system.
While short cycling may not seem like a big deal, it can actually cause your home to have uneven heating. This is because the furnace doesn’t have enough time to evenly distribute the conditioned air throughout the house before shutting off again. As a result, you may find that some rooms are too hot or too cold while others are just right.
If you notice your furnace or AC short cycling, it’s best to call an HVAC technician to come and take a look. At Christian Brothers Air Conditioning Plumbing Electrical, we can diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs so that your home stays comfortable all year long.
Address Gaps, Cracks, and Insulation
Oftentimes, uneven temperatures throughout a home have nothing to do with the HVAC system itself. If you find certain areas of your home draftier than others, the problem could be a lack of insulation or problems with gaps and cracks around doors and windows. This is especially true if you live in an older home.
Addressing these issues could be as simple as adding some weather stripping to windows and doors, but you may also want to consider replacing old windows and doors if they are very old and worn out. You also want to ensure that you have adequate insulation in your walls, ceilings, and attic. While these types of home improvement projects require an investment, your home will be much more energy efficient, and you can look forward to spending less on your energy bills each month. You will also feel much more comfortable in your home year-round.
Schedule a Heating Tune-up
Like all home appliances, your heating system needs regular maintenance to operate at its best. Over time, filters and other internal components get dirty and suffer from regular wear and tear that can lead to performance issues. A struggling system can fail to put out enough heat and airflow, leading to hot and cold spots throughout your home. If it’s been more than a year since you’ve had a heating tune-up, a simple maintenance visit may be all you need to solve your issue with uneven heating.
Contact the Pros for All Your Heating Needs
At Christian Brothers Air Conditioning Plumbing Electrical, we provide a full range of heating services, including furnace maintenance, repairs, and installation. We can find the cause of your uneven heating and provide the appropriate solution. Our team also works on cooling systems in Glendale, AZ and the surrounding area. In addition, we can provide electrical repairs, electrical panel replacements, smoke detector, and ceiling fan installation services. Our other services include water heater repair and replacement, drain cleaning, leak detection, and emergency plumbing solutions. Reach out to our team today to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
