Are you experiencing uneven cooling in your home? This is probably the last thing you’d want to happen, especially during summers. Unequal cooling can be very frustrating because not only does it affect your comfort, it may also be a sign of AC damage. Varying AC temperature levels can be caused by several factors, from ductwork leaks to blocked vents and more.
If this problem has been recurring for quite a while now, you have to request assistance from HVAC pros as soon as possible. There are plenty of AC Repairs in Phoenix and other surrounding areas that will help in solving your HVAC problems immediately.
What are the Causes of Uneven Cooling?
Uneven temperatures often occur in two-story homes or multi-story structures. It could be that upstairs is warm while downstairs is cool, or the other way around. The causes of the uneven cool air distribution largely depend on different factors.
For one, it could be that your vents and air filter are dirty, hence obstructing cool air from traversing in your home. Appliances or furniture blocking the vents may also affect the cooling power of your AC. Ductwork leak is another possible reason for losing at least 30% of the total cool air. This particular problem may lead to serious damage to the system.
Note that a faulty thermostat can also affect the cooling system. When a thermostat does not register the correct temperature settings, there would be varying temperatures over time. Incorrect settings may shut down the AC too early or too late, failing to distribute cool air to the entire home.
Lastly, the age of your AC does have an impact on its working condition. If your unit is already past its prime, then there would be a high possibility of a weakened AC system. Unfortunately, the decrease in cooling capacity is unavoidable.
How Do You Balance the Cooling System?
To solve the uneven home cooling issue, below are some of the best tips that you need to learn:
- Clean the vents regularly – Vents are key components in an AC that help maintain air pressure and filter unwanted particles to sustain clean and cool air quality. In addition, vents are very useful in exhausting unpleasant scents in the area. Because of its relevance, you have to make sure these are well-maintained.
When vents are blocked by dirt and dust, it’s difficult for cool air to travel around. Thus, rooms with clean vents receive a sufficient cool breeze compared to those with filthy ones.
- Move obstruction from the vents – Appliances and other stuff located very near the vent may obstruct the circulation of air. So, when air reaches the restricted vent, it redirects to other sections in the home with clear openings. As a result, there is an uneven distribution of cool air.
To solve this problem, you have to properly station your furniture so it will not block the vent. Make sure to also keep an eye on louvered vent covers that may accidentally be left in a closed position.
- Try to switch AC settings – If the AC system is set to “auto”, the fan only works when there’s a need to cool the area. So, if you want the cool air to circulate throughout your home continuously, it’s suggested to switch your AC fan to “on”. This way, the fan stays on even if the AC system is already turned off. This helps provide constant cool air around the house.
Turning on the fan, however, means an added expense. The amount varies on the kind of furnace blower used. Therefore, you have to remember that the added comfort may increase your electricity bill. If you want to save money on your utility expenses, try installing a smart thermostat. This is actually a great recommendation to keep track of your expenses and make everything more convenient.
- Create insulation in the attic – Insulation is crucial to keep the temperature in your home intact. Without proper insulation, there may be a leak that can cause hot air to pass into the room or cool air to escape from the room. The best location to add insulation is in the attic because this prevents the cool air from getting out of the house while also restricting outdoor air from entering.
More than that, insulation is a significant add-on that maximizes energy, especially since both cooling and heating expenses take up more than half of the total energy in a normal household. And of course, who would want to lose the needed cool air in your home when you pay so much for it? No one.
- Monitor your air ducts for leaks – Leaks are another cause of different temperatures in your home. If there’s a leak within the duct system, the cool air cannot arrive at its specific destination. Consequently, it signals the central air system to work harder because of the lost air.
Reduction of air due to leaks can become a major problem if not immediately checked. As the AC system exerts more effort to compensate for the lacking air, the unit lessens its working power over time. So, be sure to have a regular tune-up to prevent this from happening.
When to Ask Help from HVAC Experts?
If you have done all the tips above and you still experience uneven cool air, it’s high time to get an expert. Don’t think twice and contact an HVAC technician, so you get the right diagnosis of the problem.
Getting help from AC pros is the best option if this issue still exists despite taking the relevant insights into account. Their guidance can provide you with resolutions and preserve your unit. They can also advise on whether to keep your unit or let it go.
If your AC is already over 15 years old, most professionals would suggest that you buy a new one. AC units that have been working for more than a decade may no longer be that effective and efficient in providing cool air. Aside from the decline in power, older units are more prone to AC issues. This leads to more repairs and added expenses.