It can be frustrating to run your HVAC system and realize that areas around the home have uneven temperatures no matter how you set your thermostat. There are several commonplace reasons for this inconsistency of hot and cold spots that can often be easily resolved. If you get regular preventative maintenance done on your home’s HVAC system this can help catch these issues before they start.
- Damaged Insulation
When your home is adequately insulated, it can better maintain and regulate indoor temperatures. However, it becomes harder to achieve this if you have air leaks. It is important to check for any areas in rooms where there could be gaps, cracks, or other damage to insulation. From around light switches and sockets to the weather stripping around doors and windows, you need to check for any area where air could be seeping and creating hot and cold spots in a room.
- Clogged Air Filters
If your air conditioner has a clogged air filter, the HVAC system will struggle to channel air efficiently. It will put a strain on your equipment, but the dirty air filter will also likely disrupt airflow to some parts of the home, making it hard to regulate temperature. A good way to resolve this issue lies in changing disposable filters and cleaning reusable ones once every 1-3 months, depending on how often you use your HVAC system and the environment.
- Blocked Air Vents
Air ducts are the part of the HVAC system that channels heated or cooled air to and from different parts of the home. If there is a blockage in a vent, it could be preventing this air from being delivered where you want it, causing the said room to develop a hot or cold spot.
Identify where the vents to your HVAC system are located in each room and ensure that they are open and unobstructed. Sometimes, things like furniture placement in front of such vents cause a blockage that interferes with temperature regulation. Some homeowners may even close vents thinking this will help reduce energy bills; however, this can harm the HVAC system. If you want to reduce your energy bills by controlling how different parts of the home are heated or cooled, you are better off using a zoning system.
- Poor Ductwork
If your ductwork is damaged, it can interfere with the temperature of the heated or cooled air being channeled through the ducts for delivery to different parts of your home. If there are cracks or holes in the ductwork, the leaking air can cause uneven temperature being circulated. Also, if the ductwork design has many corners and turns, it can negatively impact the efficiency and effectiveness of the HVAC system.
- Improper Thermostat Location
Ideally, your thermostat should be installed centrally as possible in the home, where it is not exposed to direct sunlight or other heat sources and can determine the most accurate temperature reading. It should be connected to multiple sensors around the home that should not be exposed to direct sunlight. Where the thermostat and sensors are poorly placed, it can result in incorrect readings of the ambient temperatures that lead to uneven temperature regulation.
Conclusion
Some of these commonplace problems can easily be resolved by the homeowner. However, others may require engaging the services of an HVAC professional, for instance, identifying the best place to relocate your thermostat and sensors, inspecting ductwork for damage, and creating a zoning system for the home. An HVAC specialist will also help perform maintenance work on your system to ensure it keeps running optimally.
