What Causes Uneven Heat Distribution In Your Home?
When installing an HVAC system, you would expect equal heating and cooling throughout your home. However, that is not always the case. There are several things that can cause uneven heating in your home. The furnace may be too small or too large for the house, there may be air leaks in the home, the filter may be dirty, the air vents may be clogged, or the heat pump may be short cycling.
If you are experiencing uneven heating in your home, your first reaction may be to adjust the thermostat setting. Here at Rapid HVAC, we do not recommend doing this as it will likely lead to increased energy consumption and will not solve your heating problems.
In this article, we will outline 8 common issues that could be causing uneven heat distribution in your home and what you can do to fix it.
Furnace Size
Furnace size is an important factor in determining how well your furnace will heat your home. The furnace may be too small or too large for the house. If the furnace is too small, it will not be able to heat the house evenly. If the furnace is too large, it will cycle on and off more frequently, which can also cause uneven heating.
Furnace Too Small For House
If the furnace is too small it will have to overcompensate and work harder to heat the whole house, which often leads to hot and cold spots throughout. Colder spots at the far ends of the ducting system where airflow may be limited while spots closer to the furnace will be warmer.
Furnace Too Big For House
If the furnace is too large for the house, it will cycle on and off more frequently. When this happens the furnace doesn’t have a chance to evenly distribute the heat throughout the house. This is usually evident by extremely warm rooms near the furnace and cooler rooms at the farthest distance from the furnace.
To prevent these problems, it is important to choose a furnace that is the right fit for your home. Not only will this ensure even heat distribution it will also increase energy efficiency and reduce heating costs.
Furnace Maintenance
One of the most important things you can do to keep your furnace operating efficiently is to have it serviced regularly. Furnace maintenance includes cleaning the furnace, checking the igniter, checking the flame sensor, blowing out the tubes, testing the pressure and safety switches, and inspecting the furnace for any damage. When a furnace is not maintained its efficiency will drop and eventually it will no longer be able to heat your whole house. Here at Rapid Response, we encourage regular maintenance of your HVAC system as this is the best way to reduce the risk of last-minute emergencies, address any issues that might arise in the future and helps to prolong the life of your systems.
Air Leaks In Home
Air leaks let cold air into the house, making the immediate area much cooler and putting pressure on your heating system to work harder to heat your home. This can cause the furnace to cycle on and off more frequently, which can lead to uneven heating. It is best to check windows, doors, and any other openings to make sure they are properly sealed.
Dirty Air Conditioner Filter
If your HVAC system is not blowing hot air this can be a sign of a dirty or blocked air filter. A blocked air filter will reduce airflow which can make the furnace work harder to heat the house. This can lead to the furnace cycling on and off more frequently, which can cause uneven heating. It is important to check the air conditioner filter monthly and replace it as needed.
Clogged Air Conditioner Vents
Clogged air conditioner vents can also cause uneven heating. When the vents are clogged, they can’t send air where it needs to go, meaning some rooms won’t receive enough heat. This additionally creates backpressure on the ventilation system forcing excess warm air into other vents in the same ducting line. It is important to keep your vents clear from obstruction and check that they are in the open position.
Air Duct Leaks
Leaky ducts can cause uneven heating of the home by releasing heated air into unintended areas. The air meant to go to a specific part of your home will leak out before it arrives there. These leaks can be caused by poor installation, damage to the ductwork, or gaps in the ductwork. It is important to have your air ducts checked by a professional for leaks and repair them as needed.
Heat Pump Short Cycling
Heat pump short cycling can also cause uneven heating. Heat pump short cycling happens when the heat pump turns on and off more frequently than it should. This can be caused by a number of factors, including a dirty air filter, clogged air conditioner vents, or a problem with the thermostat. It is important to have your heat pump serviced regularly to avoid this issue.
Thermostat Fan Setting
The thermostat fan setting may be set to “On.” When the fan is set to “On,” it circulates the air in the house more frequently, which can cause uneven heating. It is important to set the thermostat fan setting to “Auto” so that the fan only comes on when the furnace is running.
HVAC Repair And Installation Service
If you’re dealing with uneven heating in your home and are not sure what’s causing it, call us today.
At Rapid Response, we know how important it is to have a fully functioning AC .system. If you are experiencing issues with your air conditioner whether it’s too warm or too cold and your house is not a comfortable temperature then let us help! Our experienced technicians are here to solve all your heating and cooling needs so that you can experience optimal living conditions.
Whether you are needing a brand-new installation, replacement or maintenance we have got you covered. Why not book in with us for a routine inspection, staying one step ahead of your system and reducing the risk of a heating or cooling emergency!