Why Are My Rooms Heating Unevenly?
The US Department of Energy (DOE) states that you should set your thermostat at 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter. This setting allows for comfort, energy efficiency, and also prevents issues like frozen pipes and hypothermia. Your heating system must generate constant heating to ensure that all rooms receive warmth evenly. If you are experiencing uneven heating in house, a few reasons could be the culprit.
Unfortunately, uneven heating could lead to discomfort. You might end up cranking up the thermostat temperature to compensate for this. However, you’ll only end up with high heating costs. Likewise, you will place unnecessary wear and tear on your home heating system. It is best to prevent the problem from getting out of hand.
Why Are My Rooms Heating Unevenly?
Contents
This article has listed eight reasons for the uneven temperature throughout your home. Read on to learn more about them.
Incorrect Furnace Size
A furnace that is too small will strain to keep up with the heating demands. Therefore, it might stay on longer than necessary. This will not only put stress on your system but also result in uneven heating. The same happens with a heating unit that’s too big. It will overheat the space, and the thermostat will turn off prematurely. These problems can result in heating system failure.
Therefore, you must find out the right furnace size.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory, or NREL, states that having a right-sized furnace means your heating system can provide even temperatures. It can also improve comfort without significantly adding to your heating costs. Generally, a system that has 30,000 BTUs is suitable for a 1,000-square-foot house. However, keep in mind that various factors contribute to finding the right furnace size for your home.
Have a professional HVAC technician conduct a Manual J Load Calculation to help you find the furnace size to fit your home heating needs.
Lack Of Furnace Maintenance
For optimum efficiency and performance, the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers, or ASHRAE, states that a furnace must have at least a 78% AFUE rating. A furnace that does not receive regular maintenance has a drastically reduced system efficiency. This can result in problems, such as uneven heating.
HVAC tune-ups help keep your system in tiptop shape as any issues your furnace might have are determined and resolved immediately. Make sure to contact a trained and certified HVAC expert to conduct furnace maintenance annually. The best time to schedule tune-ups is during early fall before you need to use your furnace for the coming cold months.
Uneven Heating Requirements
If you have two or more house stories, you might be experiencing uneven heating. This is because heat naturally rises. As a result, the upstairs tend to be warmer than the lower levels. This usually happens when you only have one thermostat for your whole house.
A simple solution to this uneven heating problem is to install a zoning system so that each section of your home has an individual thermostat. This will allow you to heat your home according to your household’s specific needs.
Gaps, Cracks, And Holes In Windows And Doors
Any opening allows cold air inside your home and messes up your indoor heating. It can also negatively affect your energy efficiency. Therefore, you must ensure that all doors and windows are closed to keep cold air from flowing in.
Conduct a thorough check around your windows, doors, and walls to ensure there aren’t any cracks or holes. These can be sealed using different methods, like caulking or weatherstripping. Have a professional help you to ensure that your home is sealed properly.
Clogged Furnace Filters
The filters prevent dirt, dust, and other debris from being circulated throughout your house. These contaminants can build up in the filters as time passes and cause a blockage. It can restrict proper airflow, so your furnace cannot heat your home as required.
Make sure that the filter is cleaned or replaced periodically. A good rule of thumb is to check if your furnace filters are dirty once a month, then replace them if needed.
Blocked Air Vents
Warm air is released in your house via air vents. Blocked or closed vents can cause uneven heating because not enough warm air is distributed in the area. It can also cause pressure to build up in the ventilation system. As a result, your furnace might break down.
Ensure that all air vents are unobstructed. Move any furniture, plants, or curtains that might be blocking the vents. Keep in mind that at least 75% of all vents should be open at all times as well.
Duct Leaks
The ductwork helps deliver warm air to all the rooms in your home. It helps ensure that heat is delivered evenly, even in rooms that are from the furnace. If there are holes in the ducts, air can leak out, and warm air does not reach the rooms. These holes or gaps can be due to many reasons, including wear-and-tear from old age, poor installation, and structural work damage.
All duct leaks should be repaired by a professional immediately.
Thermostat Fan Settings
Check if the furnace fan is set to “AUTO” or “ON.” The “AUTO” setting only allows your system to distribute air when it is heating and stops when the cycle stops. This not only causes uneven heating, but it also wears out the fan.
Switch the setting to “ON”, so that warm air continuously flows throughout your house. However, remember that this setting will increase your energy bills. You can opt to use a ceiling fan on the lowest setting to save on energy costs.
Conclusion
The above mentioned are some of the reasons your home is experiencing uneven warm air distribution. Contact a professional HVAC contractor to find out the exact cause. An expert can provide you with the most practical and affordable solutions. They can also recommend the most suitable maintenance tips to ensure that uneven heating will not happen again.
Call Miller Oil Company For All Of Your HVAC Requirements
For all your heating and cooling service needs, call Miller Oil Company. Rest assured that we only hire the best professionally certified technicians. All our friendly techs can conduct excellent HVAC services, including tune-ups, installations, replacements, and repairs. They have years of knowledge and extensive experience to perform accurate HVAC services on time all the time.
Miller Oil Company has the most competitive HVAC service prices in the area. Our tune-ups can improve your comfort and energy efficiency while also reducing your monthly utility costs. We can also help find the best replacement system for your home that is within your budget. As always, your satisfaction is important to us. This is why all our services come with a guarantee. Schedule a service appointment with us today. Miller Oil Company offers free, in-home estimates.
Click here to contact us today or give us a call at (860) 745-0326 if you have any questions.