The nature of heat energy is to move from a warmer to cooler place. That's why heated indoor air seeks to exploit leaks and poorly insulated places in your home's envelope to move to cooler outdoor air during the winter. Read on to learn how to solve these common problems and many more that may be contributing to hot and cold spots in your home.
Reasons for Hot and Cold Spots
In addition to seeking a cooler location, warmer air rises because it is less dense and lighter than cooler air. These natural conditions mean that hot and cold spots naturally exist inside your home, and that it's your home's systems that must be designed and maintained to manage heat movement.
Following are common efficiency problems that create uneven indoor temperatures in the typical home:
- Air leaks are present around windows, exterior doors, and the attic access door.
- Your home doesn't have enough insulation in critical areas.
- The thermostat is installed in an inappropriate location.
- There are not enough return grilles installed.
- Duct leaks, obstructions, and heat gain/loss prevent even airflow distribution.
- Inefficient windows allow too much heat gain/loss.
Solutions for Hot and Cold Spots
The following home efficiency upgrades can bring greater comfort and lower energy bills:
- Zoning systems use automatic duct doors and multiple thermostats to direct airflow to specific zones any time of day or night.
- Sealing air leaks in your home's envelope helps stop drafts.
- Adding insulation to the attic, exterior walls, and flooring where needed substantially reduces heat movement through the envelope.
- Window treatments, such as heavy curtains, blinds and awnings, are practical solutions that help block heat gain/loss.
- Ceiling fans don't affect room temperature. However, they do help move and mix air for more even temperatures.
- Transfer grilles and ducts promote unrestricted airflow through the living spaces.
- Regular professional HVAC maintenance ensures your heating, cooling, and duct systems are operating at peak efficiency.
If you would like a home evaluation to mitigate your home's hot and cold spots, contact Hartman Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning. We've provided HVAC services to Fort Wayne area residents since 1963.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in New Haven, Indiana and surrounding Fort Wayne area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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