Hot spots can make your home uncomfortable in the summer. Since these areas take longer to cool than others, your HVAC system needs to work harder, resulting in higher energy costs. This is a common problem in many homes, but there are several ways to fix it.
Learn what causes hot spots at home and how to address them from a trusted HVAC repair contractor.
Common Causes of Hot Spots
Dirty Air Filters
Clogged air filters can result in poor airflow indoors because they can put a strain on your HVAC system. Your equipment will need to exert more effort to push air through the dirty filters. With reduced airflow, it will take longer to regulate the temperature in your home.
Blocked Vents
A central HVAC system utilizes ducts to circulate conditioned air into your home through vents. The ducts cycle air from your home back into the equipment through return vents. When return vents are blocked, the air fails to reach your living space.
Solar Heat Gain
How your home is built can contribute to hot and cold spots. This includes the floor plan, number of windows you have, the amount and quality of insulation and sun exposure. Areas that get more direct sun exposure are usually warmer at certain times of the day. In addition, the problem could also be that your windows have gaps and cracks that are allowing outside air to enter.
Wrong HVAC Size
You must choose an air conditioner with enough capacity to cool your home. When your AC unit isn’t of the right size, you’ll notice that some parts of your home don’t get enough cooling. An oversized AC can also result in uneven temperatures.
How to Fix Hot Spots
Regular HVAC Maintenance
You should have your ductwork cleaned every few years and when you’ve just finished a remodel. as debris buildup can affect air circulation in your home. Routine HVAC maintenance is essential for ensuring proper airflow. It’s also not a good idea to delay repairs and replacements., so make sure to hire an experienced technician to care for your equipment. You can start looking for a reputable contractor online by searching, “air conditioning repair near me.”
Window Treatments
Too much heat from the sun can make it harder to cool a room. You can add curtains or blinds to help keep solar heat out of the space. Installing an awning or replacing your windows with energy-efficient ones may also help.
Zoning & Quality Thermostats
One of the best solutions for preventing hot spots in your home is to install a zoned thermostat. Zoning refers to having multiple thermostats so you can adjust temperatures in different parts of your home at different times.
Check Your Vents
Return vents can be located on your ceiling, floor or walls. A piece of furniture, decor or a rug may be obstructing them, restricting airflow. To allow air to freely circulate, make sure that nothing is getting in the way of these vents. Some homeowners tend to close supply vents in infrequently-used rooms, believing that it could help them save on energy costs. The truth is, doing this could damage your HVAC system’s blower motor. A better solution is to invest in a zoning system.
The Right HVAC Equipment
There are various ways to determine the best size of AC unit for your home. However, the most accurate way to do this is by performing a load circulation. This method involves performing a room-by-room audit of your home’s heating and cooling needs.
When you need air conditioning service, turn to Albert Air Inc. We specialize in HVAC installation, maintenance, zoning, indoor air quality and more. Call us at (714) 526-6368 or fill out our contact form to request a free estimate.
