When you set your thermostat, you have the expectation that your whole house will eventually reach the set temperature. However, this isn’t always the case. Some homes have certain rooms or areas that always stay cooler or warmer than the rest of the house. These cold and hot spots not only cause discomfort for some homeowners, but they also can signify issues within the walls of a home.
At Mission Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we are familiar with the various reasons for hot and cold spots. We can also help you update and fix your home to improve the airflow, keeping your home at one temperature.
What Causes Hot And Cold Spots?
If your home has temperature inconsistencies, it’s probably because of a fault in your HVAC system or your home’s insulation. When certain areas of your home have too little insulation or leaks in the windows and doors, air can creep inside, altering the temperature.
When it comes to your HVAC system, it’s important to have a system that is properly sized for your home. If the system is too small, certain rooms may receive less air than others, leading to a difference in temperature. However, size isn’t the only factor. If your unit is too old, it may not be able to send air to rooms that are further away.
Another reason for hot and cold spots is the position of your home in relation to the sun. If your home isn’t shaded and it receives a lot of sun, certain rooms in your home may be warmer at certain times of the day. Additionally, the sun could be shining on your thermostat, leading to a faulty reading. This can cause rooms that don’t receive much sunlight to be cooler than the rooms that do.
How To Eliminate These Spots
If you’re wondering how to eliminate hot and cold spots in your home, you have a few options. However, you should first ask yourself this question: Are you uncomfortable?
If the inconsistency in temperature doesn’t bother you, there’s really no need to do anything about it. Hot and cold spots don’t usually indicate any serious issues within the home, and they can sometimes be costly to fix. If you are bothered by these spots in your home though, it’s time to consider your options.
Dampers
If you are uncomfortable in your home, you have a few options to consider. The first option is to insert dampers within the ducts of your HVAC system. A damper is a device that fits the shape of the duct, and it can be opened and closed to alter the flow of the air, directing more or less into certain rooms.
There are two types of dampers: manual and electronic. Manual dampers have to be adjusted by the homeowner or an HVAC professional, but electronic dampers adjust automatically based on the temperature of the home. While manual dampers can be installed by most homeowners, electronic ones are more tricky to install and require the assistance of an HVAC technician.
Ductwork Maintenance
When an HVAC technician looks at your ductwork, they may discover faults or leaks that are leading to a loss of air. This can also be a cause of hot and cold spots. If there is ductwork damage in your home, it can be easily fixed by a professional. You can also upgrade your ductwork, resizing it to fit your home more accurately.
Upgraded Insulation
Another solution to hot and cold spots is reinforcing the insulation. Adding more insulation in rooms that aren’t staying hot or cold can help improve the regulation of temperature, but this type of project requires the help of an expert.
Mini-Split Units
A final solution that you can consider is the installation of a mini-split system. These ductless AC units can be placed in specific rooms, regulating the temperature of smaller spaces. These units allow the temperature of an individual room to be controlled without relying on the whole HVAC system.
Scheduling AC Maintenance Today
If your home isn’t staying at one temperature or you need AC maintenance, contact Mission AC & Plumbing. We can help you figure out what’s causing any AC problems in your home and suggest ways to fix it. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
