Nine Reasons Why Your House Doesn’t Heat Evenly
Have you experienced irregular home heating this cold season? This problem happens when some rooms are nice and cozy while others are noticeably colder. There could be several reasons causing this uncomfortable problem. Discover what could be causing these temperature disparities and how to address them.
1. Closed or Blocked Vents
The issue: Your furnace moves heated air throughout your home via vents and ducts. If these are obstructed, the disrupted airflow creates hot and cold spots in your home.
The solution: Make sure all the vents are clear, especially if certain rooms aren’t receiving enough heat. Then, inspect furniture, rugs and curtains that might be blocking airflow. If a room is too hot, make sure the registers in the other rooms are open and feel like the same amount of air is flowing. If one or more registers is open but not very much air is flowing, there might be a problem with a damper or the duct channeling the air to go where it is not needed.
2. Your Air Filter Is Dirty
The dilemma: Your furnace air filter captures dust, pollen and other airborne contaminants, making your air clean. But a filthy, dirt-filled filter blocks airflow, making your heating system work harder and can cause uneven heating. If warm air can’t get through the HVAC system easily, rooms farther from the furnace are often colder than they should be.
The remedy: Examine and replace the air filter for a fresh one every one to three months, especially in the winter when your heating system operates extensively.
3. Inadequate Insulation
The challenge: Insufficient home insulation enables heat to seep out of your home, especially from rooms exposed to outside walls or the attic. This problem causes certain rooms to be challenging to heat, even when other spaces of the house are comfortable.
The remedy: Add more attic insulation to stop heat from leaking out of your home. If your existing insulation is in good shape, you may be able to add more on top of it.
4. Air Is Escaping Through Windows and Doors
The issue: Single-pane windows and old, drafty doors are notorious for letting cold air inside, disrupting the indoor temperature. This problem is most common in old homes, where windows and doors don’t close as tightly as they should.
The remedy: Stop drafts around doors and windows by applying weatherstripping or caulk. Insulated curtains and thermal blinds also keep the cold from entering. When these easy fixes aren’t enough to prevent cold spots, think about replacing your windows and exterior doors.
5. Duct Leaks
The problem: Ductwork moves heated air around your home. If there’s a leak, warmth can leak out of the ductwork before reaching your living space.
The solution: Ask a professional to inspect your ductwork for leaks, which can often be sealed with metal tape or mastic sealant. In more serious cases, duct renewal may be necessary.
6. Thermostat Location Issues
The problem: Your thermostat manages the heating system for your home. If it’s in a breezy or unusually warm location, it may give inaccurate readings, causing the system to run at the wrong times and leading to uneven temperatures.
The fix: If your thermostat is positioned near a drafty window or heat-generating appliance, think about relocating it. A technician from Motta Heating and Air Conditioning can help you move it to a more centralized location so that it is able to more accurately assess the home’s average temperature. For extra convenience, consider a smart thermostat, which allows for remote temperature control and tailored heating schedules.
7. Your Furnace Is the Wrong Size
The issue: Your furnace doesn’t have enough capacity to heat your home, resulting in some cold rooms. Conversely, an oversized furnace may turn on and off frequently, leading to temperature fluctuations and increased wear and tear on your HVAC system.
The solution: Have a professional evaluate the furnace size in relation to your home’s area, climate, insulation levels, window orientation and more. If your furnace is unsuitable, consider upgrading to the right size for better heating performance and efficiency.
8. Your Home Has Multiple Floors
The cause of your problems: Heat automatically rises, which means the second floor of your home is often nice and toasty while the first floor stays cool.
The solution: Zoning your heating system allows you to regulate the temperature in different areas using independent thermostats and ductwork dampers. By doing this, you can direct warm air when and where you need it.
9. You Didn’t Schedule Routine HVAC Maintenance
The reason: Like any machine, your furnace requires regular tune-ups to operate efficiently. Without routine tune-ups, the system may experience issues that lower efficiency and prevent it from heating evenly.
The way to fix the problem: Schedule professional maintenance once a year, preferably in the fall before the heating season arrives. Routine HVAC maintenance is an easy way to find and fix problems before they lead to performance issues.
Arrange for Furnace Services Today with Motta Heating and Air Conditioning
Uneven heating is a pain. If a simple fix doesn’t do the trick, reach out to Motta Heating and Air Conditioning to fix the problem. Our ACE-certified technicians provide prompt, lasting solutions to all your home heating challenges backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Don’t let another cold spot bring you down— get in touch with Motta Heating and Air Conditioning by calling 724-395-7174 today to arrange furnace services with us.
