Why Are My Rooms Heating Unevenly?

The US Department of Energy (DOE) says your thermostat should be set at 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter. You can save energy and avoid frozen pipes, hypothermia, and other problems this way. Nevertheless, your heating system should distribute warm air evenly throughout your home. There may be situations when you notice uneven heating in house or an imbalance in temperature from one room to another. This can be because of several reasons. It can also have some adverse effects, such as discomfort. If this happens, you may find yourself increasing the temperature on the thermostat to compensate, which results in increased heating bills. Do not let this issue get out of hand, and find out why your home has uneven temperatures.

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Why Are My Rooms Heating Unevenly?

Read on to learn eight causes of uneven heating in some rooms around your house.

Wrong-Sized Heating Furnace

feelin chilly due to malfunctioning furnace

A furnace that’s too small will work harder to maintain the warm temperature and may stay on longer than needed. This burdens the system, and uneven heating happens. On the other hand, an oversized furnace overheats the rooms, and the thermostat signals the system to turn off earlier than required. System failure may happen as a result.

Therefore, your furnace must be the correct size. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), a correctly-sized furnace can heat your home evenly, improving comfort and reducing heating costs. For instance, a furnace with a BTU output of 30,000 is ideal for a 1,000-square-foot house. Keep in mind that many factors affect the correct size for your home. Have a licensed HVAC professional conduct a Manual J Load Calculation to determine the size of the furnace perfect for your heating needs.

 

Lack Of Furnace Maintenance

The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) says that a furnace must have 78% and above Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency rating. This ensures optimum performance. A heating unit that doesn’t receive proper maintenance results in a significant drop in the unit’s efficiency, which may cause uneven heating over time. Ensure that your system receives timely upkeep, so any issues in your HVAC system are discovered and solved immediately. Call a certified HVAC technician for an annual furnace tune-up as well. This is best done during early fall when the furnace isn’t in use.

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Uneven Heating Requirements

thermostat

Heat rises naturally. Therefore, it isn’t surprising that the rooms upstairs are warmer than the lower rooms in your multi-story home. The rooms in the lower section of your home require more heating than those located in the upper section. Uneven heating happens in a multi-story house, particularly if you only have a single thermostat for your whole house. This can be solved with a zoning system that makes sure each room in your home has its own thermostat. This way, the occupants in each room can achieve their heating preferences.

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Clogged Air Vents

Closed or blocked air vents keep sufficient warm air from reaching a room, causing uneven heating. It can even lead to bigger problems as the pressure can build up in the ventilation system, causing the system to break down. Confirm that all air vents are open and unobstructed before checking other potential problems in your furnace.

Air Leaks In Windows & Doors

sealing window air leaks at home for energy efficiency

Any gaps and openings in a room let cold air inside, causing uneven temperatures. During January, February, and other colder months, you must keep all windows and doors closed so cold air doesn’t flow inside your home. This also helps save energy. Prevent cold air from getting in through the windows and doors by sealing them with caulk, door sweeps, foam tape, door snake, window film, insulated glass units, insulated windows, and weatherstrips. Make sure your home is sealed properly.

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Dirty HVAC Air Filters

replacing furnace filter

Furnace air filters trap all dirt and debris, so they don’t reach the blower via the return duct. Air filters accumulate dirt over time, causing the airflow in your furnace system to slow down or become obstructed. When this happens, the rooms located far from the furnace don’t get the required heating. Prevent uneven heating by ensuring that the furnace filter gets cleaned or replaced every three months, with the frequency increasing in the colder months. Keep in mind that each home is unique, so it is best to conduct monthly checks and replace them as needed.

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Leaks In The Air Ducts

Generally, good ductwork can evenly distribute warm air to all rooms in your home, even those far from the furnace. However, holes in the ductwork can hinder proper distribution and result in air leaks. Openings along the ducts can be caused by deterioration from old age, structural work damage, poor installation, and rodent chewing. Seal all holes with caulk to stop duct leaks. Repair all HVAC system damage as well.

Thermostat Fan Settings

A furnace fan set to “auto” will only distribute air while the furnace is heating. The air distribution stops when the heating stops and restarts only when the cycle begins. This causes a lot of starts and stops, which, in turn, causes uneven warm air distribution throughout the house. It also causes fan wear and tear in the long run. Prevent this by letting the fan run on “ON” instead, particularly during the colder months, as air will constantly flow into your HVAC unit. However, the “ON” setting will result in increased energy costs. You can utilize a ceiling fan instead. Set it to the lowest setting and run in a clockwise direction to save on energy bills.

 

Conclusion

This article lists several causes of uneven heating around your home. However, you can consult an HVAC professional to save time and energy. They can easily find out the reason behind the uneven heating in your home. They can also provide you with the most practical and affordable solutions. A certified HVAC professional will recommend how to best maintain your ventilation system so that uneven heating doesn’t happen in your home again.

Call Tevis Energy For All Of Your HVAC Requirements

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Tevis Energy provides high-quality heating and cooling services in central Maryland and southern Pennsylvania. We have only the best professionally certified technicians who can do excellent HVAC services, including boiler tune-ups, furnace repairs, mini-split installations, and more. All our skilled, experienced, and knowledgeable techs can conduct correct HVAC system services at all times.

For the most competitive HVAC service prices in the area, call Tevis Energy. Our maintenance services can increase your comfort, energy efficiency, and air quality while lowering your heating bills. If you need an HVAC repair or replacement system, we can recommend the best one for your home within your budget. As always, your satisfaction is our priority, so all of our work is guaranteed. Schedule your next service appointment by calling Tevis Energy today and receive a free, in-home estimate.

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