When you’re trying to comfortably make it through winter, there is not much that’s more frustrating than cold spots throughout your home. While it doesn’t necessarily warrant emergency heating services in Tacoma, WA, it is a nuisance. Additionally, it’s a sign that your heater isn’t working as efficiently as possible, which means you’re paying for energy you’re not benefiting from.
If you’re noticing cold spots this winter, you might have noticed hot spots in your home during the summer—this is actually more common. Homeowners often blast their AC system and feel substantially more comfortable, but then notice that a room or two are much warmer than the rest of the house, and/or warmer than they should be.
If this sounds like something you’ve deal with, read on! We go into depth below about how these spots form, the problem with them, and what to do about it.
What Causes Cold Spots?
There are a number of possibilities. In some cases, it can be a problem with your HVAC system—in which case a professional repair service may quickly get you back the comfort you deserve. Other possibilities include:
- Poor Insulation Job: The insulation in your home creates a barrier between your living space and the outdoor temperatures. If one part of your home isn’t properly insulated, it can allow for conditions that form these cold spots. The same would be true if insulation wasn’t installed to compensate for things like areas of the home that receive less natural sunlight.
- Ductwork Breaches: Leaks in your air duct system can compromise airflow to the bedrooms. The leaks can suck up air and prevent the vents and rooms of your home from receiving equal airflow from your furnace or heat pump.
- Ductwork Obstructions: Excess dust, dirt, or debris in your ductwork can cause some blockage. Again, based on the location, it could prevent some rooms from receiving air.
- Clogged Air Filter: If your cold (or hot) spots have developed only recently, it may be due to a dirty air filter. An air filter that’s clogged up will restrict airflow and can lead to other problems.
- Poorly Sized HVAC System: Your air conditioner or heater might not have been sized properly to begin with. Regardless of whether the system is oversized or undersized, it can certainly create airflow problems.
“What Can I Do About It?”
First, please don’t try to compensate by turning up the heat. All you’ll be doing in this case is using up more energy without fixing the problem. You can, however:
- Have your ductwork inspected for leaks or obstructions, and schedule duct repair or duct replacement if necessary—no, you can’t fix it yourself with store-bought duct tape. This material is, unfortunately, not properly named.
- Get your insulation inspected, and replaced if necessary.
- Install a ductless air handler in the affected room (this is a somewhat expensive option when it comes to repair solutions, and we’d only recommend it if you’re planning on upgrading to a ductless system—it eliminates the need for ductwork altogether!)