How To Fix Uneven Heating In Your Home

In the winter, do you ever find yourself spending most of your time in certain rooms that are nice and cozy while avoiding those areas of your home that just always seem to be a little bit colder than everywhere else?

Well, you’re not alone. Most homes tend to heat up unevenly, leaving these cold spots scattered throughout your home.

We think that your home’s heating system should properly heat all areas of your house, so we put together a list of the things that could be causing cold spots in your home and how to fix them.

What Causes Uneven Heating In Your House?

Unfortunately, there are quite a few things that can cause your house to warm up irregularly. And even worse, more than one of these issues can be affecting your home at the same time!

Usually, uneven heating is caused by:

Clogged or Closed Air Vents: Your heating system may be doing its job properly but you wouldn’t know it if the air vents were preventing the warm air from getting to your house. If you’re experiencing uneven heating, check your air vents to see if they need to be cleaned or are being blocked by furniture.
Dirty Filter: The warm air from your furnace could also have a difficult time dispersing through your house if your air filters are dirty or need to be changed.
Furnace Problems: If you’re one of those homeowners who think they don’t need to schedule regular maintenance for their HVAC system, you might be having furnace troubles. Furnaces need to be tuned up every year to keep running like new. Otherwise, they can’t heat your home as efficiently.
Wrong Size Furnace: There’s another way that your furnace could be the culprit here. If you have a furnace that is either too big or too small for your home’s square footage, it won’t be able to heat the house properly. It will either be inefficient–raising your utility bill in the process–or unable to produce the right amount of heat to keep you warm.
Your Home’s Layout: Depending on the way your home was built, different rooms or levels might have different heating needs. For instance, your foyer with cathedral ceilings doesn’t have the same needs as your small finished basement. Unless you have multiple thermostats, your home’s temperature will be patchy.
Leaky Ducts: Ducts need maintenance and care just like the rest of your heating system! Check to see if your ducts have cracks or openings that could let heated air leak out. Leaky ductwork prevents heated air from getting where it needs to go, making certain rooms colder.

How can you deal with uneven heating in your house?

Want to prevent patchy heating in your home? There are three things you can do.

Keep up with maintenance: Making sure your furnace (and all aspects of your HVAC system!) is well maintained is key to having a comfortable home. Once a year, schedule a tune-up with Evolved Mechanical for your furnace. We’ll also change your air filters and show you how to clean them. We can also inspect your ductwork for leaks if you are concerned.
Consider a zoning system: If your house has a layout that makes it especially difficult to heat evenly, a zoned heating system might be right for you. We can install multiple thermostats that let you control exactly how much heat is needed to warm each room, floor, or a section. It’s the option that gives you the most control and comfort.
Consider a ductless mini-split: If your system is undersized, instead of changing it, you can add a ductless mini-split. A ductless system can be installed almost anywhere you would like precise, energy-efficient heating and cooling. It does not require ductwork, making it the more convenient cooling and/or heating option for older buildings with thick walls. However, it can also be installed in new constructions, condos, townhouses, basements, attics, garages/workshops, in-law suites and rooms without proper airflow/ductwork.

Are you struggling with uneven heating in your home? Give Evolved Mechanical a call or email. One of our experienced technicians can assess your home and find a solution.