WHY DO SOME ROOMS SEEM IMPOSSIBLE TO KEEP WARM DURING COLD WINTER MONTHS?
Addressing uneven room temperatures can be frustrating. There are several reasons why some rooms in your home heat faster and stay warm longer than others. Here are the top 10 common causes to consider when investigating rooms that don’t heal properly or retain heat for long:
1) POOR INSULATION
Often the problem is due to poor, under-insulated attic, walls, or ceilings. Attic insulation is often the problem, especially in older homes. Insulation standards have changed dramatically over the last decade.
2) UNEVEN OR DAMAGED INSULATION
Attic insulation above the room in question may be disturbed, damaged, damp, or the insulation is compressed by storage items, boards, or other objects above the room. Click here to learn more about insulation>
3) AIR GAPS AROUND WINDOWS
Windows in the room are not properly sealed allowing external air to penetrate the room through gaps and cracks around the windows.
4) ATTIC FROST
Attic frost on sheathing above that section of the home. During winter, moisture can get trapped in the attic then freeze on the attic surface.
5) AIR GAPS AROUND FIXTURES
Light fixtures, switches, and ceiling fans are not properly sealed allowing heated air to escape into the attic above.
6) VAULTED OR CATHEDRAL CEILINGS
In second-story homes with vaulted ceilings, often under-insulated. This is especially true for older homes built during less stringent insulation codes for two-story or vaulted ceilings.
7) AIR GAPS AROUND DOORS
Exterior doors near the room are not properly weatherized allowing external air to penetrate adjacent living spaces.
8) DAMAGED OR BLOCKED DUCTWORK
The ductwork in your home may be the reason you have uneven room temperatures. Ductwork can be blocked, damaged, or improperly installed in some areas. Ductwork can be blocked by debris, animal or insect infestation, damage from a remodel, or other activity that could dislodge ducts. In some cases, ductwork may have been installed wrong.
9) AIR FILTERS
HVAC Filters serving the area may need to be changed more frequently. A dirty HVAC filter reduces the airflow to your system and causes it to work harder. It uses more energy, which costs you more money. It can also lead to uneven room temperatures.
10) IMPROPER AIRFLOW
Improperly balanced airflow through ductwork may lead to different room temperatures. Adjusting dampers may help to balance airflow. Click here to view how ductwork functions and how to rebalance airflow>
ADDRESSING THE PROBLEM PAYS OFF
Some of these issues are easily addressed while others may require professional assistance. Given the expense associated with heating and cooling costs, often hiring a professional to address heating problems will have a rapid return on investment and increase the comfort of living spaces that heal slowly or don’t retain heat in winter months.
Often these same rooms have the reverse problem in summer, they often cool slowly and don’t retain conditioned air at the same rate as other rooms in the home. The impact on both your heating and cooling system can negatively impact the lifecycle of these units.
ATTIC AIR
We are an insulation and ventilation contractor serving Chicago area homeowners for over 20 years. We offer a free onsite assessment of your insulation and roof ventilation. Call us today at 630.830.3870