Why Is One Room Warm and the Other Drafty?

Many homes in northern Virginia have one or two rooms that are always warmer or cooler than the rest of the house. These temperature fluctuations are usually linked to insulation levels, household habits or damage to your HVAC ductwork. At the very least, warm spots and drafts lead to frequent thermostat adjustments that increase your energy bills. If you’ve noticed these problems, here’s what you should know.

Common Causes of Drafts and Warm Spots

Structural factors, such as insulation and weatherization, make some rooms difficult to heat and cool. Closing passage doors and shutting air vents aren’t effective ways to control temperature imbalances. These strategies make your HVAC system work harder and affect the airflow in other parts of your house.

Warm and cold spots are sometimes caused by damaged or disconnected air ducts. Vents that are further away from the air handler naturally have less power. If this is the case, your HVAC technician can make airflow adjustments. This can increase your air conditioner’s energy efficiency by 15 percent according to the EPA.

Ways to Eliminate Warm and Cold Spots

• To prevent drafts, seal any openings that allow air to enter or escape. Focus on windows, doors and the area where your home meets the foundation.
• Keep passage doors open to improve airflow. Closed doors increase the air pressure in your home and exacerbate air leaks.
• If you aren’t sure about the age or condition of your HVAC ductwork, we can clean your air ducts. We also repair cracks and damage to minimize air leaks.
• Have your Commonwealth Cooling and Heating contractor make adjustments in your air handler. These baffles control the amount of air that’s distributed to each part of your house.

If you’re tired of hot and cold spots, we have the solution. You can learn more about the benefits of professional duct cleanings and inspections by checking out our indoor quality services online or by calling our office at 703-436-8028.