Reasons for Uneven Cooling in a Home
The primary job of a central air conditioning system is to maintain even and comfortable temperatures throughout the house. But sometimes, homeowners feel a significant difference in cooling in various parts of the home. Uneven home cooling is a common problem people often encounter with their central air conditioning systems. It is inconvenient and annoying to find some rooms too cold while others are too warm, compromising comfort and causing a spike in energy bills.
Uneven cooling in the home indicates an issue with the air conditioning system, ranging from a minor glitch to a bigger problem requiring the services of an HVAC professional. Let us examine a few potential reasons causing temperature imbalances in the home.
Leaky or damaged ducts
Ducts are responsible for distributing cold air around the house. Leaky ductwork allows the conditioned air to escape and leads to a drop in the air pressure. Faulty, blocked, or old air ducts restrict proper air circulation, affect the unit’s efficiency, and make rooms hotter. A professional can examine and seal or repair the air ducts to prevent loss of cold air.
Improper insulation
Proper insulation keeps the cold air in and prevents the outdoor warm air from entering the home. Poorly installed, insufficient, or worn-out insulation, especially in the attic, makes it hard to regulate indoor temperatures, leading to uneven cooling. Call a professional to inspect the insulation and ensure that it is sufficient for your home.
Clogged filters
A clogged or dirty air filter is the reason behind various HVAC issues, including uneven temperatures. Over time, dirt, dust, and debris clog filters, and failure to change them regularly significantly restricts the air flowing into the system and traveling to different rooms. Replace the filters every 1-3 months to improve airflow, ensure proper cooling, and reduce allergens.
Blocked or closed vents
Blocked air ducts and vents due to the accumulation of dirt and debris over time is a common cause of uneven home temperatures. Regular HVAC maintenance by professionals will keep the vents and ductwork clean.
Also, check for closed vents in the rooms experiencing uneven temperatures. Look for any wrongly placed appliance, furniture, or fixture that may be blocking the airflow into a room and move them away from the vents to facilitate proper circulation of conditioned air.
Old and aging unit
If uneven cooling is coming from an air conditioner that is more than a decade old, it may indicate that the system should be replaced. Old and aging cooling units struggle to function efficiently and see a decline in their capacity to cool the entire home, resulting in uneven temperatures. Call a technician to check the AC for replacement needs.
Zoning issues
Homes with zoned heating and cooling can experience uneven cooling due to faulty thermostat sensors or problems with the duct dampers.
Inadequately sized unit
An air conditioner too large or too small for the home size fails to cool the entire house efficiently and strains the system, causing it to require frequent repairs. Ensure that the unit is of the correct size and properly installed by a certified technician.
Call an HVAC professional if you are struggling with uneven cooling and cannot find a reliable solution. The technician will look into the possible cause and fix it to restore proper unit functioning and comfortable indoors.
Modern Air Conditioning & Heating is a Boulder City-based HVAC company offering 15 years of experience in residential and commercial HVAC services for all makes and models. You can also call us directly at (702) 919-4365.
