Why Are Some Areas of My House Hotter than Others?

In a perfectly balanced HVAC system, every room in your house reaches the same temperature at the exact same time. If your home experiences different temperatures in each room, your unit may be unbalanced.

Here’s how we can keep you from sleeping in the fridge to stay cool:

Check For Common Problems

Before calling a technician, there are a few things you can check at home to ensure your home is cooling evenly:

Check Your Air Filters

Dirty air filters can restrict airflow, which in turn prevents your home from getting enough cool air flowing through.

Make Sure Your Vents Are Open

Closed vents can cause a room to become hotter than other areas of your home that are receiving cool air. Simply flip the switch!

Close Your Windows

Leaving your windows open is a great way to feel connected to the outdoors, but it can also let your conditioned air escape your home. Be sure your windows are all closed and have a tight seal.

Inspect Your Air Ducts

If your ducts are damaged, certain rooms in your home may not be receiving enough air supply.

4 Causes of An Unbalanced HVAC System (and How to Fix Them)

If you’ve checked your HVAC unit for the problems above and your unit has passed with flying colors, it’s time to consider that there may be a bigger problem.

When your ducts are installed properly, your system should be balanced, and dampers can be used to additionally help provide even temperatures throughout the different rooms.

Dampers are valves that accurately adjust the airflow going into each part of your house, installed on the main ducts located near the inside unit of your central air (usually in a closet or attic).

If your dampers are not correctly installed, then you may have your answer. There are other common problems that may disrupt the balance of your air conditioning:

Room Use

Problem: How you use each room may affect your system. For example, your home office may be warmer because it contains a server, computers, and other electronics.

Solution: Adjusting the airflow to your rooms using dampers.

Home Renovations

Problem: If your home has been remodeled, additions such as walls could throw off your system.

Solution: You may be able to adjust the dampers on your ducts for small issues. Otherwise, you may need to add additional ducts or another air conditioning unit.

Over or Undersized System

Problem: If your AC is too large it will shut off too quickly, and if it’s too small, it may never actually be able to cool your home.

Solution: Try using fans to circulate cool air around your home, or consider installing a new unit of proper size.

Multiple Levels

Problem: If your home has multiple levels, it can be difficult to balance your airflow properly.

Solution: The best solution for this is typically a zoned air conditioning system, which would break your home into different areas and allow for multiple thermostats or temperature sensors.