Temperature irregularities in your home are typically referred to as hot and cold spots, and they are often the result of air leaks and poor insulation. When the temperature of the air is not even throughout the home, sitting near a cold or hot spot becomes uncomfortable. It can also increase your energy bill. Before you go out and get a new HVAC heating or cooling system, let’s see if we can identify the issue to repair your AC or heater and get your temperatures consistent again.
Air Leaks at Windows and Doors
Not all doors and windows fit perfectly, especially in older homes. In fact, this is the place where unwanted drafts often enter your home. Replacing the doors and windows with newer models will remove these small gaps that allow air to seep in from the outside. However, you can easily block air leaks with caulking until you get a professional.
If air is coming in from underneath the door, weatherstripping is a good way to block the drafts. This will decrease hot and cold spots, making your living space more comfortable. You can also put a layer of insulation over the windows to keep the breeze from entering your home. These kits are magnetic, and they create a barrier to block any drafts.
Blocked Vents
To ensure that your home has consistent airflow, you never want to block vents. Even though it feels like you are blocking the air from a particular area, redirection of the air to another location will occur. For example, a rug on the vent will block airflow into that room, creating uneven temperatures in your living space.
Blocking a supply vent does not actually lower energy bills because the system’s fan still circulates air to the other rooms. In fact, blocking too many vents can potentially damage the blower motor. If your furniture blocks your vents, try rearranging the room to create better airflow and eliminate hot and cold spots.
Clogged Air Filter
With dirty or clogged air filters, you may find that the airflow is not as strong as it should be. This is because when air cannot get through the filter, the HVAC system needs to work much harder for the same level of efficiency. Air filter changes should occur every three months, but if they seem to be clogging often, we recommend changing the filters with more frequency.
At El Indio AC, we suggest cleaning the filters regularly to help prevent buildup. This will not only maintain the airflow in the home but also improve the quality of the air your family breathes. It is important to ensure that there are no pollutants in the air your family breathes, especially if they have asthma or other breathing difficulties.
Themostat Location Not Ideal
Thermostats are not always placed in an ideal location to give you the proper temperature in the home. If it is under direct sunlight, there is a good chance that the unit is not measuring the temperature correctly. Since the thermostat thinks your house is much hotter than it is, it will use more energy to cool the space down. With this, the thermostat could struggle to maintain a comfortable temperature.
It’s also important that the thermostat is not positioned directly in a heat source. This includes things that get hot, such as vents, ovens, and electronics. An ideal location is in the center of the home, away from windows and vents. If you are unsure where to place a new thermostat in your home, contact a professional at El Indio AC for placement recommendations. If it’s time to replace your old thermostat, a smart option could help regulate the temperature and keep it more even.
Ceiling Fan Setting Needs Adjusted
Drafts in your home could be coming from the ceiling fan. Most tend to turn the fan off when the temperature gets low, but these fans can create airflow all year. There is a setting on the fan that changes the direction that the blade spins. In the summer, the blade turns counterclockwise to create a downward draft in the living space to keep you cool.
During cooler months, the fan spins in the opposite direction. If you keep the fan on low, it pulls down the warm air from the ceiling to better circulate within the home. If your fan is still positioned on the summer setting, it will create a draft around it that could be uncomfortable.
Leaking Air Ducts
The seal on your air dust is also something to consider in your home to reduce hot and cold spots. This ensures proper airflow and prevents temperature-controlled air from escaping into cooler areas, such as an attic or a basement. On average, poorly connected ducts allow 20 to 30% of the air to escape.
If you notice that air is not coming through the vents properly, it may be the ducts. A professional is best able to locate duct issues. At El Indio AC, we use cameras with thermal capabilities to quickly find leaks in the duct system. Once we find the issue, repairs are simple. Another issue that could result in air leaks is that the duct is not the correct size or that the installation was not done correctly.
Insufficient Insulation
Insulation can keep heat inside your home, but in the summer, it can also keep the heat out. Make sure that your home is properly insulated. Energy bills tend to increase when insulation is not sufficient, and according to a recent study by the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association, there is not enough insulation in 90% of the homes in the United States.
For homes that are inadequately insulated, spray insulation is a temporary solution until a professional can inspect the needs of the home. At El Indio AC, we can quickly see what your home has when it comes to insulation and figure out a solution that will reduce hot and cold spots.
Wrong Size Equipment
Air conditioners cool spaces of a certain size. If you have a larger space to cool, the unit may not be efficient enough to maintain the temperature that suits your needs. The same is true of a heating unit. Not all heating units can keep a large space warm, so you might feel cool spots as you move away from the furnace.
On the other hand, if the furnace or AC is too large for the space, it can create uneven temperatures. The unit won’t be able to run long enough before the room becomes too hot or too cool. If you are unsure of what size heating or cooling unit your home needs, consult with an HVAC specialist.
Get a Professional Inspection
At El Indio AC, we have over 20 years of experience with heating and cooling systems in Tolleson. We are a family-owned HVAC company that prioritizes the community’s needs. Customer satisfaction is our priority, and we strive to be a dependable option that provides 100% satisfaction on all jobs.
We do installations, repairs, and AC and heating maintenance, so give us a call at El Indio AC with any questions or concerns. You can also schedule an inspection today!