Summer means an increased demand for cooling. However, sometimes even when you turn up your air conditioning, certain parts of the house remain warm. Not addressing this problem can result in higher energy bills and issues with your HVAC system.
Here are tips for fixing hot spots in your home from a leading provider of HVAC and refrigeration equipment services.
What Causes Hot Spots?
Location
When a room just can’t get cool enough, it’s possible that it’s too far away for your AC to reach, and rising warm air could be causing hot spots on the upper floors of the house. Rooms that are more exposed to sunlight can also be warmer than others. Depending on the time of year, high ceilings can contribute to hot and cold spots, as well. Rooms with higher ceilings have more space to cool.
The type of windows you have and their placement can cause hot spots. Some types of windows allow heat from sunlight to enter your space. Windows that are exposed to direct sunlight throughout the day can also cause temperature imbalances indoors.
HVAC Issues
Cool air travels through ductwork before it reaches the rooms in your home. Holes or tears in the duct can cause conditioned air to leak. Your indoor comfort won’t just suffer; you’ll also have to deal with higher cooling costs due to wasted energy. Moreover, the location of your thermostat also matters. You could be experiencing temperature imbalances if the thermostat is located in the coldest room of your home. Skilled HVAC companies can help you determine the best place to install or move your thermostat.
Poor Insulation & Ventilation
Your home’s insulation prevents cool air from escaping and warm outdoor air from entering your house. With insufficient insulation, your HVAC system will need to work harder to keep your indoor spaces comfortable. Hot spots can form in the rooms under the attic, especially if the attic isn’t properly ventilated.
How to Get Rid of Hot Spots
Address Broken Window Seals
A faulty window seal can cause hot, unconditioned air to enter your home. Inspect your windows and doors for broken seals. Addressing leaky windows and doors get rid of hot spots as well as drafts, helping you save on energy costs.
Use Window Treatments
For windows that get more exposure from the sun, you can use window treatments that will prevent heat from entering the room. If your windows are outdated, consider replacing them with energy-efficient units. These windows will allow natural light into your home while blocking heat from the sun.
Invest in Zoning & Quality Thermostats
Zoning refers to the use of multiple thermostats in your home, allowing you to alter temperatures for different parts of the house at different times. This is one of the best ways to avoid hot and cold spots in your home, as well as energy loss.
Make Sure Vents Aren’t Blocked
Check to see if your furnishings and decor are blocking your vents. Make sure that nothing is in the way of them so they can properly supply your living spaces with conditioned air.
Get Regular HVAC Inspections
Your HVAC system requires regular maintenance to stay efficient. To ensure your home is as comfortable as possible, have your system routinely checked and serviced. This will also give you peace of mind knowing that your equipment won’t experience a breakdown on the hottest of days. Duct cleaning can also help improve the air circulation in your home.
Turn to Cafco Services for your home and business’ heating and cooling needs. We offer high-quality HVAC filter products, preventative maintenance programs, installations, repairs and more. Call us at (513) 242-3400 or fill out our contact form to schedule a service.