When your household HVAC system is operating in tiptop shape, comfort will be consistent across all areas of your home. However, when something goes wrong, uneven heating is a common occurrence. Unfortunately, it isn’t always simple to diagnose the cause as your furnace, ductwork, insulation, and other systems are all potential culprits. When you’re experiencing this kind of comfort issue, the most prudent thing you can do is look into the problem’s most likely sources.
1. Schedule a Ductwork Inspection
Your air ducts have the task of transporting heated air to the vents in different areas of your home. But when your ductwork is harboring leaks, that heat can seep out before it finishes its journey. This is a common cause of certain rooms being consistently colder than others.
Clogged ducts can contribute to uneven heating as well. When dust, pollen, pet dander, and other debris collect in your ductwork, it will partially block the furnace’s circulation pathway. The good news is that a trained ductwork professional can conduct cleaning and an inspection simultaneously.
2. Check for Household Leaks
It could be that some parts of your house have air leaks. If the areas experiencing insufficient heating contain any windows or doorways, inspect their edges for little gaps. They may not be immediately visible, but you can slowly move your hand around the area to see if you feel any air streams. Even one or two tiny leaks can account for significant amounts of lost heat; not only will those parts of the home lose heat, but your furnace will need to work harder in an attempt to compensate for it.
If you come across any leaks, you can seal them yourself or bring in a professional. All you’ll need to handle it on your own is caulking and weather stripping from the hardware store, and the job should be quick and easy.
3. Schedule Furnace Maintenance
During a furnace tune-up, an experienced technician will inspect your heating system to ensure that it’s operating smoothly and efficiently. That will allow them to deduce whether the furnace may be causing your uneven heating. Many potential problems with the appliance may be weakening its heat circulation, which can result in some rooms being colder than others. It might be that you’re nearing the end of your furnace’s lifespan, and the technician will be able to confirm or dispute that.
It’s also possible that your heating unit is short-cycling; this means that it’s shutting down before its cycle finishes. Insufficient warmth in your home is a common short-cycling symptom, and a tune-up will reveal whether it’s happening or not.
4. Install Attic Insulation
Attic insulation serves as a shield to trap rising heat in your home. Without that barrier, much of that heat will end up settling in your attic or escaping through the roof. A lack of that insulation can commonly result in the upper parts of your household regularly feeling warmer than the lower floors. Not having that protective layer also puts extra stress on your furnace and wastes lots of warmth, so attic insulation is a worthwhile investment.
Attic insulation comes in several styles. Spray foam insulation, which is totally waterproof, is perhaps the most popular option. However, you can’t install it without professional help, and it’s more expensive than other options. Fiberglass insulation won’t last as long, but it’s less expensive and easy to install.
5. Inspect Your Vents
Your home’s air vents are spread out in different rooms, hallways, and areas. Each vent is responsible for heating and cooling its area, so if a specific vent is obstructed, you’ll notice uneven heat distribution. If some rooms aren’t receiving as much heat as others, check to ensure that no furniture or clutter is blocking the flow of the vents. Alternatively, it may be a buildup of dust, dirt, and debris within the air vent that’s blocking the flow of heat. To be safe, regularly remove the cover panels and vacuum out the interior chamber of each vent. That should ensure that your heating system has a clear pathway to evenly distribute heat.
At Variable Comfort Solutions, we provide high-quality heating, cooling, and indoor air quality services to the greater Huntington, WV area. We specialize in HVAC services, but what sets us apart is our dedication to taking care of our customers. We’re a locally owned and operated company, and we’re continually building a reputation for friendly technicians and exceptional services. To schedule an appointment today, contact us at Variable Comfort Solutions!
