Causes of Temperature Imbalance in Your Home

Man and woman sitting on a couch with winter coats on.
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Do you ever feel like your home's temperature is out of balance? Several issues can cause an unbalanced temperature in your home which can lead to uncomfortable living conditions and even increased energy bills. 

To help you identify the cause of your temperature imbalance and restore comfort in your home, let's take a look at some common problems that can cause an uneven temperature.

Improperly Sized HVAC or Ductwork

A common culprit of temperature imbalance is an improperly sized HVAC system and ductwork. If your system is too large for the size of your home it can cycle on and off quickly which can create warm and cold spots in your house. On the other hand, if the system is too small for your home it may not be able to heat and cool all of the rooms evenly.

Poorly Sealed Windows and Doors

Leaky windows and doors can be another major cause of temperature imbalances in your home. If air is able to flow through them freely, the heater can create an environment where one area of the house can become warmer or cooler than the rest. You will want to ensure that all the windows and doors are properly sealed to prevent this from happening.

Thermostat Location

Your thermostat's location can significantly impact your home's temperature balance. If it is located in an area constantly exposed to direct sunlight or drafts, it can cause the thermostat to read a different temperature than what's going on in other parts of your house.

Most of the time, the thermostat works best for the room it was originally installed in. If your thermostat was moved or not installed by a professional you may need to have it looked at.

Uninsulated and Unventilated Areas

If certain areas of your home are uninsulated or unventilated, there can be temperature discrepancies between the rooms. Insulated rooms retain heat better, and ventilated rooms allow airflow to circulate more efficiently. Thus, if one area of your home is uninsulated or unventilated, it can lead to an imbalance in the temperature throughout the house.

Old HVAC Systems

Older heating and cooling systems tend to be less efficient than newer ones. As they age, they become worse at regulating the temperature and can often cause hot or cold spots in different parts of your home. It's important to check the efficiency of your system regularly and consider replacing it if necessary.

Duct Leaks or Blockages

Duct leaks and blockages can also cause temperature imbalances in your home. If the ducts in your home are leaking, conditioned air will escape before it reaches its intended room, resulting in different temperatures throughout your house.

Additionally, if a duct is blocked or has been closed off, rooms on the opposite side of the obstruction may not receive enough air, leading to an unbalanced temperature.

Rising Heat in Multi-Level Homes

Multi-level homes often suffer from temperature imbalances due to the rising heat effect. Hot air is lighter than cold air, so it rises to the ceiling. To combat this effect, contact a professional HVAC technician and ask about installing ceiling fans or other ventilation solutions to help move the air around.

Poor Insulation

If your home has poor insulation, it can lead to temperature imbalances throughout your house. Heat and cold will be able to escape more easily through under-insulated walls and ceilings, leading to warmer or cooler spots throughout your home. To fix this issue, contact a professional insulation contractor to assess your home and determine what needs to be done.

If you're experiencing any of these issues and want to restore comfort in your home, contact us today and speak with one of our knowledgeable technicians. We'll work with you to identify the cause of your temperature imbalance and provide the best solution for your home.