Why Is My Home Heating Uneven?
Having uneven heating in your home can be incredibly frustrating. Worse, trying to fix the problem just makes the colder rooms warmer and the warmer rooms uncomfortably hot. Here are some reasons why your home heating is uneven and what you can do about it.
Dirty or Clogged Air Filters
A dirty or clogged air filter restricts the amount of air flowing through the filter, making it difficult for your heating system to push warm air through. Clogged filters are usually full of dust, lint, or pet dander. To avoid your filters clogging up, change them every two to three months. And if you have pets, consider changing them more frequently.
Blocked or Closed Vents
Blocked or closed vents prevent warm air from circulating properly, creating uneven temperatures. The space closer to the vents will be warmer, while the areas further from the vents will be colder. To prevent this, make sure to keep all your vents open and look for any obstructions, like sofas or carpets. There should be roughly three feet of clearance around your vents so the air can circulate properly.
Poorly Insulated Rooms
If a room in your home always feels colder than usual, it may be poorly insulated. Poorly insulated rooms allow warm air to escape, making it difficult for your heating system to adequately warm them.
To fix the issue, figure out where the leak is coming from. It could be through your window, your door, or through an exterior wall. If you can’t identify the leak, contact our professional technicians. We can pinpoint where the air leaks are and help you insulate them.
Ductwork Leaks or Imbalances
Your heating system may be working fine, but your ducts could be the problem. Ductwork leaks can be especially infuriating because they leak out warm air before it has a chance to reach your rooms. Even worse, imbalances may mean your ducts were improperly installed.
Signs you have a duct issue include uneven temperatures between rooms or visible signs of cracks in your ducts. If your ducts are a problem, you’ll need to schedule professional heating repair services with our technicians. This isn’t a repair you can fix yourself. We’ll either need to replace your ducts or balance your ductwork by adjusting the dampers.
An Aging or Improperly Sized Heating System
Another reason you may be experiencing uneven heating is due to an aging or improperly sized heating system. If your system is old, your best bet is to replace it. While this can be a pricey upfront investment, you’ll have an efficient system that can keep your home cozy throughout the winter.
On the other hand, if your system is too small or too large, contact our technicians. We can inspect your home to determine what size you should have, and then we’ll work with you to replace your old system with a new one.
Thermostat Placement or Calibration Problems
Thermostat placement is a minor issue that can cause quite a headache. If you place your thermostat near a window or door, where there’s a draft, you’re going to get readings that don’t accurately reflect the temperature in your home. You also don’t want to place your thermostat in the kitchen, close to your oven.
In other words, placing your thermostat in areas that are too cold or too hot can force your heating unit to stay on for too long or shut off earlier than it should. The best location for your thermostat is an interior wall in the middle of your home.
Calibration problems can cause uneven temperatures, too. If your thermostat is old or it hasn’t been calibrated properly, it may not correctly reflect the indoor temperatures. Your manual should show you how to manually recalibrate your thermostat. If you’re still having issues, contact our team for heating maintenance services. We can inspect your thermostat, recalibrate it, or replace it with an updated, energy-efficient one.
Airflow Imbalances Between Floors
Airflow imbalances between floors can be a tricky problem because the issue could be a number of things. The most likely issue is a problem with your ductwork. Your ducts may not be properly sized for your home, or they could have been poorly installed. To fix this issue, contact our team for a professional inspection. Our heating services involve repairs, maintenance, and installations, so we can provide the best service for your home.
Dirty Blower or Weak Air Handler
If your blower fan is dirty and caked with dirt, the heating unit won’t be able to effectively push air into your home. To fix this problem, schedule annual heater maintenance services with our licensed technicians. Besides lubricating components and replacing worn-out parts, we can clean your blower fan so that it no longer restricts airflow.
A weak air handler can cause uneven heating, too. If your air handler is weak or old, it will struggle to push air out, leading to uneven heating in your rooms. To fix this issue, simply schedule heater repair services with our team. We’ll arrive promptly, so your discomfort is short-lived.
Unbalanced Humidity Levels
Unbalanced humidity levels can be due to a variety of factors. You may have an old, failing heating unit that can no longer do its job effectively. There may also be ductwork issues or a clogged air filter. To figure out why you have unbalanced humidity levels, you’ll need a professional inspection. Our licensed technicians can determine exactly what the problem is.
Want a quick tip? One of the best ways to avoid unbalanced humidity levels is to schedule regular heating maintenance services. Our technicians can ensure your system works efficiently by calibrating your thermostat, inspecting refrigerant levels, cleaning the blower fan, and more.
Lack of Regular Maintenance
Lastly, regular maintenance can solve many, if not all, of your heating unit issues. We highly recommend that you schedule heater maintenance services at least once a year. This gives our team a chance to clean and inspect all parts of your system thoroughly. Regular maintenance can also catch minor issues early before they balloon into expensive repairs.
Bring Balance Back to Your Home
Bringing balance and comfort back to your home is essential. It lowers your utility bills and keeps family members cozy. It can help prevent illnesses, too, like the flu. If your heater is blowing cold air or you have uneven temperatures in your home, contact the technicians at Melbourne One Hour for professional heater services. We’re reliable, professional, and always on time. In fact, we like to tell our clients, “We’re on time or you don’t pay a dime.”