If you’re tired of wrapping yourself in extra layers just to stay warm at home, you’re not alone. Cold spots are a common problem we hear about all the time, particularly in older houses in Kalispell, Whitefish and the Flathead Valley. It’s also a common complaint in homes with additions and poorly-insulated spaces. The good news is there are effective solutions for every uneven heating problem, so there’s no need to suffer through a frigid Montana winter with higher heating bills and little comfort.
Central’s HVAC experts have put together some tips to help you understand the reasons behind those annoying cold spots and how to effectively eliminate them.
What Causes Cold Spots?
Cold spots can occur for a variety of reasons, from inadequate insulation to poor ductwork design. Here are some common causes:
Poor Insulation
Insufficient insulation in your walls or attic can cause heat to escape, making some areas of the house cooler than others. Ensure that your attic insulation is sufficient and, when it’s time to replace old windows and doors, be sure to take into account the energy efficiency of the glass and frame.
Leaky Ducts
Heat loss through gaps or holes in ductwork is a major cause of energy waste and a leading cause of cold spots. Holes and gaps in air ducts should be sealed with special metal tape designed for use on metal ducts – not duct tape.
Inadequate Air Delivery System
This is a common problem in older Montana homes where the central heating and cooling system has been replaced many times over the years while the ductwork from another era is left as it was in the 1960s. When upgrading a furnace or air conditioner a well-trained HVAC installer will assess your home’s air delivery system and make changes to the design if needed to incorporate the latest HVAC techniques and technology.
Obstructed Air Vents
Look around your home. Is there furniture, rugs, or anything else blocking air vents? This can significantly hinder proper air circulation. Ensure that air registers have plenty of space to blow air. Air return vents need a minimum of 6-12 inches of clearance.
Also, keep all air registers open when possible, even in unoccupied rooms. This will ensure that your HVAC system has enough air volume to condition the air throughout the entire house.
Inadequate HVAC System
An aging or poorly-maintained heating system will often not distribute heat evenly. Regular maintenance is essential for keeping the HVAC system operating at peak efficiency. Dirty air filters and furnace components will drive up your heating bill and lower comfort.
If your furnace is more than 8 years old, it may be time for a replacement. Newer units have features like variable speed blowers that are better at maintaining even temperatures.
Outdated Heating Technology
If your home relies on electric baseboard heating, consider updating to ductless heating. It will pay for itself in lower energy bills, greater comfort and better control… and as a bonus you can have cooling too!
Install a Zoning System
In some situations, such as new additions, basements and outbuildings, where a room is not connected to ductwork and a home’s central heating and cooling system, zoning can be an effective solution. A zoning system allows for different temperature settings in various parts of your home. This can often be designed into an existing central HVAC system, or through the addition of a ductless mini-split system.
Use Ceiling Fans
Installing ceiling fans can be an effective way of improving the circulation of warm air during the winter. In rooms with high ceilings, ceiling fans circulate the warm air trapped near the ceiling downward into the living space.
When to Call an HVAC Professional
If you’ve tried the tips above and are still experiencing cold spots, it might be time to consult a professional.
Here’s how Central Heating Cooling Plumbing and Electrical can help:
HVAC Tune-Ups
Regular heating system maintenance can often identify and resolve many of the issues causing uneven heating.
Ductwork Inspections
A thorough inspection if your home’s air delivery system can reveal heat loss from poor connections, inadequate sizing and other issues.
Heat Recovery &Ductwork
Sometimes, ductwork needs to be resized or rerouted to achieve even heating. Our experts can provide custom-tailored heat recovery solutions for your home.
Zoning
Often the best solution for improving comfort and efficiency is to give a space it’s own climate control. We Central can often zone an existing heating and cooling system, or install a ductless mini-split system in a single room or an entire house with separate zones.
If you have questions about your heating system or are experiencing rooms that are too cold or too warm, call the experts at Central Heating Cooling Plumbing and Electrical. Your Comfort Is Our Central Concern.
