8 Causes Of Hot And Cold Spots, Part 1
Many Ft. Myers and Cape Coral homeowners experience hot and cold spots, which can become a real challenge for the household.
When you set the thermostat to keep cool in the great room, the upstairs bedroom becomes too hot. So, you crank up the AC to keep the bedroom cool, but then the great room becomes a walk-in freezer.
Here are a few reasons you may be experiencing hot and cold spots and the remedies:
1. Dirty Air Filter Causes Hot And Cold Spots
A clogged air filter limits air flow which can cause hot and cold spots around your home. If your filter is dirty or clogged, your AC system must work harder to force air through it.
Dirty air filters can also cause your air handler to overwork, potentially resulting in the coils freezing up.
Pro Tip: Since we use our AC almost year-round in SW Florida, we recommend changing your air filter once a month.
2. Obstructed Air Vents Can Cause Hot And Cold Spots
Make sure your registers are clear of any obstructions, especially furnishings. This will allow steady airflow throughout the home.
Pro Tip: Make sure all vents are open in every room, even if you don’t use a particular room very often. Closed air vents can cause damage to your AC system.
3. No Insulation Can Cause Hot And Cold Spots
Proper insulation and sealing keeps cool air inside the home.
Attic insulation will help eliminate hot and cold spots throughout your Ft. Myers or Cape Coral home, and keep the temperature regulated.
Pro Tip: Seal off gaps and cracks around windows, doors, outlets, and light switches with weather-stripping or insulation.
4. Improper Thermostat Location Causes Hot And Cold Spots
The best place for your thermostat is on an interior wall away from direct sunlight, air vents, the kitchen, hallways, windows, and doors.
Ideally, it should be placed toward the center of your home, about 52-60 inches above the floor. This will give it the most accurate temperature reading.
Pro tip – A Smart thermostat comes with multiple sensors that can be set up in specific rooms throughout your home.
Each sensor communicates with the thermostat, automatically regulating the temperature in those rooms.
AC Zoning Can Remedy Hot And Cold Spots
One way to avoid hot and cold spots in your home is to invest in AC zoning.
This method creates specific zones throughout the house that connect to their own individual thermostats.
There are several ways to accomplish this. It is best to contact us first, so we can diagnose the issue properly before recommending a solution.
Contact us for all things HVAC, 239-693-9005
Stay tuned for Part 2 where we will review four more causes of hot and cold spots with remedies.
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