In an ideal world, your home would be a comfortable and consistent temperature throughout. Unfortunately, many homeowners find that they have hot and cold spots in different areas of their home. This phenomenon is quite common, but it can cause discomfort, and you may be prone to not use certain areas of the house at certain times of the year. Fortunately, you can correct the problem and enjoy a comfortable temperature all year round.
The Causes of Hot and Cold Spots:
There are a number of reasons why you may have hot and cold spots in your home. The most common causes are that the insulation coverage is uneven or that the output of your HVAC system is not correctly modulated. It can also be the result of leaking air ducts or an improperly designed duct network. Fortunately, there are some possible solutions that could correct the problem.
Ductless Mini Split AC:
Ductless mini split AC systems are heat pumps that use individual air handlers in place of ducts. The air handlers have a thermostat, which enables precise control of the heating or cooling of each room. Ductless mini split AC systems tend to be more efficient compared to a centralized system as they can be used for cooling and heating, there is also no need to worry about energy loss through duct leaks. Additionally, these units tend to be cheaper and smaller compared to a centralized system, saving money and space.
Zone Control:
Zone control allows you to more precisely control the temperature in individual rooms or area by directing the airflow through the ducts. Each zone has a thermostat installed, allowing you to set the temperature to your particular comfort level. This can not only help to eliminate hot and cold spots, but can increase the energy efficiency of heating and cooling your home. You can heat or cool only the rooms or areas you are using when you are using them. For example, you may leave sleeping areas without heating or cooling during the day, only using the air conditioning or heating at night when you are sleeping. Additionally, you can set the temperature according to your personal preferences. You may prefer a cooler bedroom for restful sleep while living areas need to be a little warmer. Alternatively, if you prefer to be toasty warm while you watch television in the lounge, but another family member prefers it to be cooler when they are working in the dining room, both of you can be comfortable and happy.
Hot and cold spots in your home can be very frustrating and lead to an uncomfortable environment especially in particularly inclement weather. If you are struggling with hot or cold spots, it is a good idea to seek advice from a professional HVAC specialist. A technician will be able to assess your system and determine if there is an underlying fault which is causing the problem. They can also help you with suggestions to reduce the temperature inconsistencies inside your home, so you can feel comfortable regardless of how hot or cold it feels outside.