Is there a spot in your home that’s always hotter or colder than the rest? It’s more common than you think. Fix temperature variations right away and you’ll extend the life of your HVAC system and save on your home energy bills.
When a room’s temperature varies, your HVAC system has to adjust to regulate for the change in temperature. This means your HVAC system may be working harder than needed.
Why are some rooms warmer or colder than others?
Before you can fix temperature variations, it’s a good idea to understand why they happen. There are lots of factors that can contribute to a hot spot or cold, drafty room in your house, but the most common are the following:
- Poor insulation can let more outside air in, causing the room to feel colder or warmer
- The orientation of the room may mean more hot sun comes in or a lack of sunshine
- If the room is furthest out on the HVAC air duct’s line, it may not cool or heat efficiently
Fixing the temperature variations in your house allows your HVAC to work less, which will save you money on your cooling and heating bills. Here’s how you can fix temperature variations in your home so your HVAC system works more efficiently.
Caulk gaps and drafty spots around windows and doors. Image: veryulissa/Shutterstock
1. Seal Windows and Doors
The weatherstripping on windows and doors deteriorates over time, letting cold or hot air in. Caulk all gaps and replace worn out weatherstripping to better balance the temperature in your home.
Layers of fabrics and textiles can warm up a cold, drafty space. Image: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock
2. Add Window Drapes, Shutters Or Blinds
Sunny rooms tend to feel warmer than rooms that are dark. If you have a room where the window receives a lot of sun in the summer or feels very cold to the touch in the winter, invest in a heavy black-out or insulating set of curtains or drapes. Window shutters or blinds are also a good insulating option to keep the ambient temperature of the room comfortable.
Open the shades or blinds during the winter so the sun’s warmth enters. And in the summer, keep blinds closed to maintain a cooler room.
A programmable thermostat can keep the room at a comfortable level automatically. Image courtesy of Trane.
3. Add A Programmable Thermostat Strategically
Once you address insulation and manage to balance the temperature extremes, install a programmable thermostat. The key is the location of the thermostat. Place it in or near the room you use most so the temperature level is most comfortable where you spend the most time.
Smart thermostats like Trane’s ComfortLink II XL850 can be programmed remotely from your smartphone so your home’s temperature is perfect before you arrive.
A zoning system means each room can have its own temperature setting. Image courtesy of Trane.
4. Install An HVAC Zoning System
If one temperature for the entire home isn’t realistic, consider adding an HVAC zoning system. A zoning system allows you to set unique temperatures in different rooms or zones in your home.
A ceiling fan can circulate air to keep the room’s temperature more comfortable. Image: JR-stock/Shutterstock
5. Add a Ceiling Fan
A ceiling fan is a low-energy way to circulate the air in a room. Most fans have a small button at the base of the motor that allows you to switch the direction the fan spins. This little trick can make a huge difference in the temperature of your room.
In the winter, set your fan to rotate clockwise on low to pull cold air up and away. Doing so pushes the warm air that has risen to the ceiling back down, warming the room. Do the opposite in the summer, setting the fan to spin counter-clockwise, to cool your room.
Still have questions? Talk to an expert
Making your home comfortable and energy-efficient is the smart way to live. Plus, think of all the design projects you can take on with the monthly savings. Talk to a local HVAC professional to see what you can do for your home.
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