Updated January 18, 2024

As a homeowner, you want your household heating system to offer balanced warmth so that your whole residence is nice and toasty. Unfortunately, uneven heat distribution throughout the house is a common problem that many homeowners encounter. Air balancing is the process that entails adjusting your current HVAC system to ensure that air is uniformly distributed throughout the home. While air balancing involves a specialized series of tests that an HVAC professional must perform, there are a few DIY fixes that you can try out to correct uneven heating before you call us at Agers Heating & Air Conditioning.

Causes of Uneven Heating in Your Home and How to Fix It

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Blocked or Dirty Air Vents and Ducts

When was the last time you checked the condition of your vents? Is there any dirt, dust or debris built up that could reduce their efficiency? Your AC’s air vents are essential components of the HVAC system. They ensure that every room in your home gets the correct amount of temperature-controlled air, and blocking them can create an airflow imbalance.

If you experience uneven heating in your home, the first thing you need to check is your air vents. Since the air vents are either positioned on the floor or in the walls, there is a chance of them being blocked by the furniture or other objects. Objects obstructing airflow can compromise the amount of heat getting to that particular space. To correct the problem, remove all furniture and other impediments that can block airflow, and ensure maximum air circulation in every room of your home.

Additionally, if your ducts are clogged by an accumulation of dust, dirt and other debris, the condition can hinder free air circulation. The vents and ducts can normally be cleaned by using a household vacuum with a long extension, but if they are extremely dirty, there are places that you can’t reach, or you’re experiencing weird smells, it’s best to call in a professional from Agers Heating & Air Conditioning for a thorough cleaning.

Leaky and Air Ducts

Air ducts are tubes used in heating, ventilation and air conditioning, and they supply heated or cooled air to various rooms. They are also responsible for delivering the same amount of air back to the HVAC system. Ductwork can experience wear and tear as the result of temperature changes, high humidity and vibrations.

As time progresses, the seals around the ducts can loosen, the duct material can be breached and the duct joints can disconnect. Eventually, heated air will be wasted since it will leak out as it goes through the ducts. This means that the farthest rooms will not be heated adequately because up to 30% of the heat will be lost before it can arrive. To correct this, you need to hire a professional HVAC technician to examine and repair your ducts in connection with your yearly furnace maintenance.

Old HVAC System

An old HVAC system may not have the ability to distribute heat evenly to the whole house. The service lifespan of an HVAC system may be affected by numerous factors such as the type of system, its maintenance record and how often it is used. A typical HVAC can last an average of 15 to 25 years.

When your HVAC system starts aging, its efficiency tends to decrease. Eventually, it begins distributing heat unevenly. If your HVAC system is more than 10 or 12 years old, call a technician to inspect it, troubleshoot any problems and help you make a sound decision on how to proceed.

Clogged Air Filters

Your air filters collect dust, dirt and other particulates so that they don’t get into the tiny parts of your heating system. As time progresses, the particulates will accumulate on the air filter, leading to clogging. Clogged filters minimize airflow into the system. Less airflow leads to unbalanced heating, with the farthest rooms getting the least amount of heat.

To correct the issue, simply replace the furnace filter. If you have to replace the filter more than every month or two, it may be time to contact the professionals at Agers Heating & Air Conditioning.

Wrong Size HVAC System

If your HVAC equipment is too large, it will blow hot air with excessive force. Some rooms will get warm very quickly while others won’t have time to warm up all the way. It will then cycle off before your whole house heats up completely. A system that’s too large causes high heating bills, and it will experience excess wear and tear.

If your system is too small, it lacks adequate power to distribute air uniformly throughout your house. Also, in an attempt to heat your home, your undersized furnace will overwork, which causes damage. As a result, you will end up with some rooms that feel too cold at one moment and too hot at another.

The best way to avoid challenges that result from oversized or undersized HVAC equipment is to install a correctly sized HVAC system. The technicians at [company _name] will be happy to do an analysis that is specific to your home.

Alternatively, instead of using such a furnace, you could use a zoned heating system. While a zoned system is an investment, it is a terrific way to combat uneven heating in your home because it permits you to regulate the temperature in specific rooms and areas directly.

Improper Insulation

Insulating your house is a significant way to keep your home warmer during frigid winters and cooler on hot summer days. It puts a barrier to heat gain and loss in ceilings, roofs, floors and walls. It also minimizes condensation, reducing the potential risk of dampness and mold.

Lack of adequate insulation in your home causes the cold air from the outside to start accessing the house. Such a scenario can create a difference in temperature between the different rooms of a home, especially the upstairs and the downstairs. If you realize that some parts of your house are unevenly heated, examine your insulation to identify if it could be the cause of your heating problems.

If your insulation is worn or deteriorating, it could need to be replaced. Most home improvement stores sell insulation, and while it’s a complicated process, it’s possible to install the insulation yourself. If this seems too difficult, you can always rely on professional assistance.

Fixing Uneven Heating

In some cases, uneven heating and cooling could be a sign of a significant problem with your HVAC system. If you are experiencing uneven heat in your home, the easiest way to remedy the issue is to have an HVAC expert diagnose and correct the situation for you.

At Agers Heating & Air Conditioning, we can help you fix all your heating and cooling problems in St. Peters or throughout the St. Louis area. We are a full-service heating and cooling company, and we will ensure that you are completely happy with our service and workmanship. We offer a broad range of options, including air duct cleaning and sealing, sheet metal fabrication, commercial HVAC services and refrigeration, AC and furnace repair, replacement and installation and insulation services.

Contact us today and schedule an appointment

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