It shouldn’t be too much to ask to have even temperatures around your Springfield, OR area home. However, that isn’t always the case. At times, you may start noticing that when you’re running your heater or air conditioner, certain parts of the house are staying colder or warmer than others. That can be extremely frustrating, and you shouldn’t have to put on an extra layer of clothing when you walk from one room to another. Hot and cold spots are a common household problem, and there are several potential reasons why you may be experiencing them.
1. Blocked or Dirty Air Vents
It’s very possible that your home’s uneven temperatures are a result of one or more obstructed air vents. If even one vent is blocked or clogged up with contaminants, it can prevent a sufficient amount of air from flowing into that part of the house. As a result, that room or area will likely be at a different temperature than the rest of your living space. If you’re experiencing hot and cold spots, it’s always wise to check each of your household air vents. After verifying that they aren’t blocked by furniture or clutter, it’s a good idea to remove each cover panel and use a vacuum cleaner extension hose to clear out the dust, dirt, and debris from the interior.
2. Leaky Ductwork
Another possible cause of your hot and cold spots is leaky ductwork. Your air ducts have the responsibility of transporting the air from your heating and cooling systems around your home. And when the duct pathways are clear and in good condition, the conditioned air is typically distributed evenly to every room. However, if your air ducts are harboring any gaps, cracks, or other openings, it can cause large amounts of that hot and cold air to escape during the process. That can lead directly to certain areas receiving less of the air than others, which will cause your household to have uneven temperatures. For this reason and many others, it’s prudent to have your ductwork cleaned and inspected by professionals every year or two.
3. Dirty or Clogged Air Filters
Over time, as your home’s HVAC air filters trap more and more airborne contaminants, they tend to eventually become dirty or even clogged with particles. If you use the same filters for too long without replacing them, it can start to cause various negative effects on your HVAC performance. In many cases, the airflow of your heating and cooling appliances will be directly affected, leading to insufficient circulation throughout your home. Oftentimes, that airflow issue will present itself in the form of hot and cold spots around your dwelling. You should always make a point to switch out your HVAC air filters regularly, and if you’re dealing with uneven temperatures, it’s a good troubleshooting option to try.
4. HVAC System Is the Wrong Size
If you’re dealing with hot and cold spots around your home after recently investing in new HVAC equipment, it’s possible that your new system is either too large or too small. Many homeowners don’t realize how important it is to have an HVAC unit that’s the correct size for the home. For example, if your system is too small, it won’t be able to provide sufficient airflow for the entire house, which can result in some areas consistently being warmer or colder than others. Alternatively, if the unit is too big, it may cool or heat the home too quickly, and that often leads to uneven temperatures as well. In the Springfield area, you can always schedule an appointment with our team at Jco Heating A/C Electrical to evaluate your HVAC system and ensure that it’s the proper size for your household needs.
5. Leaks Around Windows or Doors
Another common cause of uneven temperatures is the presence of air leaks around windows or doors. When your home has air leaks, they can consistently allow conditioned air to escape, putting extra pressure on your HVAC system and creating hot and cold spots. Fortunately, this is usually an easy problem to solve. The leaks will usually be around the edges of doorways or windows, and you can find them by looking closely or feeling around with your hand for moving air. Then, you can either have them professionally sealed or use caulk and weather stripping to close them tightly.
At Jco Heating A/C Electrical, we’ve been proudly serving the greater Springfield area since 2002. Residents of our community know that they can count on us for high-quality heating, cooling, electrical, and indoor air quality services. Give us a call at Jco Heating A/C Electrical today to schedule an appointment!