Why a Home Has Uneven Heating And Cooling Problems
Thermostats often have a blower fan control setting that can be adjusted from auto to on. Keeping the fan on continuously can help circulate conditioned air more effectively.
Many homes struggle with maintaining a uniform degree of comfort throughout. Often, the upstairs feels hot, while the downstairs feels cool. Controlling how each area of a home feels is a common concern. Here are some solutions to uneven heating and cooling issues in a home.
Problems with a Single Room or Space
A problem with the vent or register in a particular room might be the issue. A vent may contain a significant amount of dust and debris. Furniture or something large might be sitting in front of or on top of the vent. The vent or duct might also be in disrepair.
Situations involving the vents imply an airflow problem. If air cannot move into or out of a space, it won’t heat or cool the rest of the house properly. Louvers or slats on vents can also block airflow if they’re closed. Dirty air filters will also block airflow.
Several aspects can contribute to a lack of airflow through ducts. If it’s only a blocked vent or dirty filter, then it’s an easy fix. If there is damage to the ducts, then the help of a qualified contractor will be needed.
Controlling the Flow of Air in the Home
Without control of the airflow throughout the home, uneven heating or cooling issues are likely to occur. Many people never consider how air flows throughout the home. Just as vents can be covered accidentally, they can also distribute conditioned air as desired.
For example, if a room grows too hot while an adjacent area stays cold, the vent in the room can be partially closed. Doing so will help to redirect the heat to areas that aren’t getting enough of it.
In this way, a more even distribution can be achieved. The same can be done with the larger registers found on the wall in a hallway or on a floor.
Ducts will have dampers on them as well. If they’re not adjusted properly, they can affect how much or how little conditioned air flows to certain areas.
Checking the Thermostat’s Settings
The thermostat may have some helpful settings. The most common setting is blower fan control. Most electronic thermostats turn the blower on when needed. Switching the blower fan from auto to on can be tried. By changing the setting, the blower fan will stay on instead of cycling, keeping the conditioned air circulating.
Speaking to Professionals About the HVAC System
An uneven heating or cooling problem can often indicate an issue that requires professional help. For example, a professional HVAC contractor can inspect the entirety of the ductwork to ensure there are no air leaks or other issues. Additionally, they can determine if there is enough insulation or the right insulation.
A contractor can also be consulted about installing a zoning system or other solutions. These systems provide finer control over heating and cooling by separating the home into zones. The temperature in each zone can be managed separately from the others.
One final concern for uneven air distribution can include HVAC equipment. A poorly installed or incorrectly sized furnace or central air unit can lead to these types of problems. Only a certified and experienced HVAC contractor can ascertain if that’s the case.
Fix My Air DFW of Fort Worth specializes in residential and commercial HVAC services, including routine maintenance, installation, and repair. All makes/models. Call us at (817)839-3511.
