How to Fix a Room that is Too Cold or Too Warm
If you live in a house in which one room is always warmer or colder than the others, crossing climate lines can be unpleasant. There are several reasons why one room feels like Antarctica and the other a sauna. This can be because the house has multiple levels, ducting or venting issues, or because of the number of windows in the room. There are simple solutions available, such as fans and portable space heaters. Or you may require a more extensive plan, such as a new zoned heating and air conditioning system. Keep reading to learn how to fix a room that is too warm or too cold.
Fans
Fans can be a helpful temporary solution. Unlike air conditioning, fans do not cool the temperature of a space. Instead, a fan that’s just the right size and in just the right place will create a breeze and cool the people in the room.
There are several different fan options available. A box fan moves a lot of air and should ideally be placed in front of a window. Floor or tower fans are usually quieter, slimmer and more efficient than box fans. They blow directionally and are usually equipped with an oscillating feature, which speeds up the evaporation process and maximizes air flow.
If you prefer ceiling fans, choose the size and location that’s right for your space. For adequate air circulation and safety in larger rooms with tall ceilings, choose a fan that uses a down rod to hang from the ceiling. The fan blades should hang at least eight or more inches from the ceiling. The bottom of your fan should be at least seven feet from the floor. Smaller spaces can use a flush mount or low profile ceiling fan that hugs the ceiling and won’t hang too low.
Portable Space Heaters
If you are concerned about overheating your home, portable space heaters may be an efficient option. Radiant space heaters that release infrared heat are the most efficient. These are made for use in smaller rooms being used for a short period of time, or for one person and the space immediately surrounding them.
Safety should always be top priority when purchasing and using a portable space heater. In the U.S., the improper use of space heaters accounts for more than 25,000 house fires per year. Always purchase a newer model that is thermostatically controlled. Look for the Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) label and a generalized sizing table, which are included on or in the packaging to ensure proper sizing and safety for your home.
Window Coverings
Small changes can make a big difference when creating a comfortable indoor environment. Look at the window coverings in your home. More windows mean more air and heat loss, unless you have the right window coverings. Types of window coverings include shades, blinds, shutters and curtains. All window coverings give more control over style, privacy, light and temperature levels in your home. Using light-filtering or room-darkening features improve and maximize your sources of warm and cool air flow.
Zoned System
A zoned heating and air conditioning system allows you to customize climate zones within your house to ensure everyone is comfortable. A zoned system is easy to use and, with the right tools, you can access it from anywhere. The secret is a system of dampers in the ductwork and separate thermostats that provide different climates to different rooms.
Replacing and Redesigning Ductwork
One room being abnormally cold or hot could also be the result of a heating and air conditioning system in need of repair. You could have open seams or leaks in your ductwork or improperly installed duct joints that are causing your warm or cool air to leak into your attic before reaching your living space. If you’ve added on a room or while you’re making repairs, you may also opt to redesign the ductwork to better heat and cool the areas you regularly use.
Size Issues
There is real science in properly sizing your HVAC unit. A system that is too large for your home can cause short cycling. This process does not allow the compressor to run long enough to dehumidify the area you are trying to heat or cool. This all day, on-and-off cycling can cause warmer temperatures in one or more areas of your home.
An undersized system will do its best to reach your desired temperature anywhere in your home, but will be unsuccessful most of the time. Its continuous running throughout the day will increase your utility costs and put additional wear and tear on your heating and air conditioning unit, reducing the overall lifespan of your system.
If you would like more information on creating a more consistently comfortable indoor environment, call to speak with one of our home comfort specialists today at 850-580-4029 and let Barineau Heating and Air Conditioning recommend solutions that will make your house feel more like home.
