A.Borrelli's HVAC & Plumbing Guide

Why Are Some Rooms in My House Hotter or Colder Than Others?

Written by A. Borrelli Mechanical | 2/11/2020

Do you have a room in your house that is never the same temperature as the rest of your home? To solve the issue, check for the following common issues:

1) Dirty Air Filters - When your air filter is obstructed, airflow is reduced, causing your HVAC unit to work even harder than usual.

2) Air Leaks from Windows and Doors - Windows and doors are a likely place for air leaks, which allows cold air to enter the building and force the heating equipment to work harder. Find weather stripping at your local hardware store to minimize drafts.

3) Air Duct Issues - You might be losing air through leaks in the air duct. According to Energy Star, about 20 to 30 percent of the air that moves through the duct system is lost due to leaks, holes, and poorly connected ducts. Work with a professional contractor to properly seal and improve your air duct system.

If neither of the above issues is causing the problem, then you most likely have an air balancing issue.

Air Balancing

Air balancing is the process of adjusting the amount of cooled and heated air being delivered to each room. But improper installation can lead to an unbalanced system.

Here are some common causes of an unbalanced system.

1) Over or undersized system. A system that is too small or undersized may not be able to cool the entire house properly. An HVAC system that's too big will heat/cool too quickly. It will most likely cycle off before the warm or cool air can reach the room further from the unit.

Read More: Is Your Air Conditioner Sized Properly?

2) Home renovations. Any home additions or remodels can upset the balance of your HVAC system. Ask a contractor to run add additional ducts dampers, which stops or regulates the flow of air inside a duct. You may also consider adding in a second HVAC unit.

3) Long runs of ducts. Air traveling through the air ducts in non-heated or cooled areas of your home can get warm. This leaves rooms farther away from an AC much warmer. Speak to a specialist about adding insulation to your ductwork or restructuring the duct system.

4) Multiple leveled home. House with multiple stories requires HVAC systems to push air through long runs of ducts. Look into a zoned air conditioning system to break up your home into different areas. Each area of the house can be controlled through different thermostats and temperature sensors.

Get a Professional Opinion

By making sure your HVAC system is running efficiently, you can save on the cost of heating/cooling your home. An HVAC professional can properly inspect the ductwork and HVAC system throughout your home. Contact A. Borrelli today.