Most of us like consistency. We expect our morning coffee to taste the same, our cars to start without an issue, and our homes to be comfortable. So, when the temperature in your house is all over the place — one room feels like a sauna while another is freezing — it can be frustrating.
So, what causes uneven heating in a home, and how do you fix it? Let’s look at what might be happening in your home.
Why Is One Area of Your House Hotter Than the Others?
There can be several reasons why the heating in your home might not be consistent. Some of these problems are simple to fix, while others require professional help. Here are some of the most common causes.
Blocked or Leaky Ductwork
Your HVAC system pushes warm air through ductwork to heat your home. But if those ducts are clogged with dust, leaking air, or weren’t installed properly, less warm air will reach certain rooms. If you’ve noticed that one area of your house is hotter than the others, it might be time to have your ductwork inspected and sealed.
A Dirty or Clogged Air Filter
Your air filter helps keep your heating system running smoothly, but it can only do its job if it’s clean. A clogged filter restricts airflow, making it harder for your furnace to distribute hot air evenly throughout your home. If it’s been a while since you changed yours, it may be time to replace your air filter.
Poor Insulation or Air Leaks
If your home isn’t well-insulated, warm air escapes before it can spread through your house. Leaky or poorly installed windows and doors let cold air in, making certain rooms drafty. Adding insulation to unconditioned spaces and sealing gaps with weatherstripping to door jambs can make a big difference in keeping your home warm.
A Heating System That’s the Wrong Size
If your central heating system is too large for your home, it might heat too quickly and short cycle, turning off before the house is evenly warmed. If it’s too small, it may struggle to keep up, leaving some areas colder than others. A mis-sized heating system can be a big contributor to uneven heating.
Thermostat Problems
Your thermostat is the control center for your heating system, but if it’s located in a bad spot — like near a heat source or in a drafty area — it might be giving inaccurate readings. This can cause your furnace to turn off before your entire home is warm. If you suspect your thermostat is the issue, it may need to be moved or upgraded.
The Natural Flow of Heat
Hot air rises, which means upstairs rooms usually feel warmer than those downstairs. If one area of your house is hotter than the others, it could simply be a matter of warm air moving upward while cooler air settles below. While you can’t change how heat moves, you can take steps to improve airflow and balance out temperatures.
How Do You Fix Uneven Heating in a House?
Now that we’ve reviewed the causes of uneven heating, let’s talk about what you can do to fix it. Some solutions are DIY-friendly, while others are best left to a team of professionals.
Adjust Your Air Vents
If a room is too hot, try partially closing its air vents to push more warm air to the colder areas. Just don’t close them completely — blocking vents can put stress on your heating system and cause more problems.
Add More Insulation
If your home is under-insulated, adding more insulation to the attic, basement, and crawl spaces can help. You should also caulk leaky windows and doors and install door sweeps to stop drafts.
Check Your Thermostat Placement
If your thermostat is giving inaccurate readings, it might need to be moved. A thermostat placed in direct sunlight, near a vent, or in a particularly warm or cool room won’t measure the overall house temperature correctly.
Install a Zoning System
A zoning system lets you control the temperature of different areas of your home separately. This is especially useful for multi-story homes where the upstairs is always warmer. A professional can install dampers in your ductwork to direct heat where it’s needed most.
Get Your Furnace Checked
Sometimes, when one area of your house is hotter than the others, the problem isn’t your ducts, insulation, or vents — it’s your furnace. If your furnace has a failing blower motor or other mechanical issues, it won’t heat your home properly.
PGA Inc. can provide you with a professional furnace repair in Wausau, WI, or one of the nearby areas. You can trust our experts to properly diagnose and fix the issue.
Consider a Supplemental Heater
If one room just won’t warm up, adding a supplemental space heater can help. This isn’t a long-term fix, but it can make a chilly room more comfortable without cranking up the heat in the whole house.
Need Professional Help? PGA Inc. Has You Covered
If you’ve tried these fixes and are still experiencing uneven heating, it may be time to call in a professional. At PGA Inc., we’ve been providing heating services in Wausau, WI, and the surrounding areas since 1994.
Our team can check your furnace and recommend solutions suited to your home’s needs. If your system needs repairs, we’ll handle it. If an upgrade makes more sense, we’ll help you find the right fit.
You don’t have to put up with temperature imbalances between floors or constantly adjusting the thermostat. Call PGA Inc. today to schedule a service appointment in Wausau, WI, and get your home back to the comfort level you expect!
