
As the chilly winter days hit Georgia, you rely on your heating system more than ever to keep your home comfortable as the temperatures drop. If you notice that the temperature varies as you wander from one room to the next, there may be an issue with your HVAC system that requires attention.
Several culprits, from clogs to incorrectly sized heaters, may make one room colder than others. Keep reading to discover the top reasons for uneven heating and the steps you can take to repair it.
Common Causes of Temperature Variations Between Rooms
Temperature variations between rooms can be caused by several things, from dirty filters to blocked air vents. Some of the most common culprits include:
- Dirty air filter: When dust, debris, or other contaminants build up in your air filter, it restricts airflow, making it harder for your HVAC system to evenly distribute air throughout your home.
- Blocked ductwork: If insects, pests, or debris buildup get into your ductwork, they can create a clog that limits airflow throughout your house, causing some rooms to be colder than others.
- Closed air vents: Closed or blocked air vents prevent warm air produced by your HVAC system from entering the room, leading to uneven temperatures.
- Faulty thermostat: When the thermostat malfunctions or breaks, it will send inaccurate readings to your heating system, causing it to heat or cool rooms unevenly.
- Poor insulation: If your home has inadequate insulation, heat will escape through walls, ceilings, or windows, causing some rooms to be colder and your HVAC to work harder to heat your home.
- Incorrectly sized heater: If your furnace is too small for your home, it won’t generate enough heat to warm it evenly. If it’s too big, it may cycle on and off too frequently, never allowing your home to reach the desired temperature.
- Thermostat placement: If your thermostat is near a heat source, sunlit area, or drafty room, it can produce false readings, leading to short cycling or unbalanced temperatures throughout your home.
Diagnostic Steps to Identify Cold Room Causes
If you’re dealing with uneven temperatures throughout your home and are unsure what the cause is, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take before calling a professional. To diagnose the reason behind cold rooms in your house, take the following steps:
- Check that you’ve turned the thermostat to the correct temperature and setting.
- Make sure that all air vents are open and unblocked.
- Place your hands near the vents to check for airflow.
- Assess the air filter within your heater to ensure it’s clean and unclogged.
- Look for signs of leaks, damage, or disconnections in your ductwork.
- Inspect walls, ceilings, and windows for drafts that are allowing cool air to enter.
- Ensure the condenser coils are free of ice and dirt buildup.
- Check that the system is receiving power and there are no tripped breakers.
When to Seek Professional Help for Uneven Heating
If you’ve tried the above troubleshooting steps and still can’t determine the cause behind your home’s uneven temperatures, contact a professional HVAC technician to schedule an inspection. They have the training and experience to quickly diagnose the issue and restore even heating throughout your home.
Often, the issue will be a quick fix that only requires professional HVAC repair. However, some problems, such as an improperly sized heater or severely broken unit, require furnace replacement. They’ll work with you to find the right unit for your heating needs and budget. The technician may even suggest you install a zoned system to control temperatures in individual areas of your home.
Preventing Temperature Imbalances in Your Home
The best way to prevent temperature imbalances in your home is to stay up to date with HVAC maintenance. Scheduling annual tune-ups keeps your heater working properly, reduces wear and tear, and extends its service life. You’ll see more consistent heating throughout your home and catch issues early on to prevent them from progressing.
In addition to professional maintenance, there are some preventative steps you can take at home to prevent temperature imbalances. To keep every room toasty warm, use the following tips:
- Ensure all vents are unblocked: Move any furniture or large items away from your vents to prevent blockages.
- Replace your air filter: You should replace your furnace air filter at least once every three months. During times of heavy use, it may require more frequent replacements. Put in a clean filter to prevent buildup from causing uneven airflow.
- Move your thermostat: If your thermostat is currently near a heat source or drafty area, move it to a neutral location to ensure accurate temperature readings.
- Have your ducts cleaned: Schedule professional duct cleaning to remove any blockages, pests, or buildup from your ductwork.
- Improve your insulation: Add insulation to walls, ceilings, and windows to prevent drafts and heat loss.
Call Ricky Heath for HVAC Repair in Georgia!
If you can’t seem to regulate the temperature throughout your Georgia home, contact our team at Ricky Heath for expert HVAC repair. We’re available around the clock, ready to assist when your home heating goes awry. Whether you’re dealing with a clogged air filter, leaky ducts, or a broken component, our fully licensed technicians will quickly diagnose and repair the issue to make sure your home stays warm when you need it most.
If we uncover the need for furnace replacement, we’ll help you find a new, high-efficiency model suited to your home size, heating needs, and budget. We offer flexible financing options, so you never have to worry about your new HVAC system breaking the bank.
Call us or book online to schedule your service today! We proudly serve homes in Macon and surrounding areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I determine if my cold room is a structural issue?
If the cold room in your house is caused by a structural issue, you’ll likely notice drafts near the windows, doors, and walls. There may also be visible gaps and cracks, condensation on the windows, and cold surfaces. If you suspect a structural issue is causing uneven heating throughout your home, contact our team to schedule an inspection and rule out problems with your HVAC.
How do I know what size of HVAC system to purchase?
The best HVAC system size for your home will depend on its square footage, insulation quality, and local climate. Our experts will inspect your home to determine the best system size for your needs and work with you to find a unit within your price range. Call our team today to learn more about HVAC replacement.
What’s the normal temperature difference between rooms?
It’s not uncommon for the rooms in your home to have a one to three-degree temperature difference. Temperatures can vary depending on the room’s location, sun exposure, insulation quality, and airflow. If the rooms in your home have a variation of over five degrees, that may indicate an issue with your HVAC, ductwork, or insulation.