Summer is just around the corner and that means that it is time to blow the dust out of AC units or switch the HVAC switch over to cool in the house. Either way, air conditioning needs to be serviced on a regular basis to make sure that it functions correctly making it less expensive to stay cool in the summer.
In a perfect world, your HVAC system would keep you cool as a cucumber through the height of summer and as warm as toast during the worst of winter.
But we know better. There are several factors, both related to your system and to your home, that can cause your HVAC to offer uneven heating and cooling.
In this week’s blog post, we’ll look at a few of the common causes of uneven heating and cooling and what you can do to fix them.
Subpar insulation
While this is mostly a problem in older houses, any home that has substandard insulation and thin walls is at risk for becoming too hot or too cold.
If your home isn’t retaining cool air in the summer or warm air in the winter, you can expect to waste energy and spend more than you need to heat or cool the home. It doesn’t matter if this issue is confined to individual rooms, you’ll be running your system longer than necessary, which adds to your energy bill.
Leaking ducts
A leak in your ductwork can cause you to lose as much as 30 percent of your airflow. Even a minor leak from a duct that’s poorly insulated can cause major airflow issues throughout the entire home, while more significant leaks – for example, the kind caused by loose joints – can cut off airflow completely to rooms in another part of the home.
Heat rise in multi-story homes
If you have a two-story home, you can expect to find a temperature difference of anywhere from eight to 10 degrees between your downstairs and upstairs.
Heat naturally rises, leaving your upstairs warmer than your lower levels. And most heating and cooling systems monitor the temperature using a single thermostat. Rooms that are further away from that thermostat might end up being under-conditioned.
Ductwork or HVAC systems that aren’t sized properly
If your HVAC system or ductwork isn’t the right size for your home, you’re not going to get the right amount of airflow.
This throws off the balance of cooling and heating in your home and puts your system at risk for damage. During the cold weather months, improper airflow can cause the evaporator coils in your system to freeze. And when summer comes, your system is at risk for overheating.
Older thermostats
Your thermostat is designed to regulate the temperature of your home. But if you’re still using the thermostat that came with your house, you’re not getting the most out of your heating and cooling system. Older thermostats can’t evenly distribute warm or cool air – particularly in large, multi-room homes – making your home uncomfortable.
The location of your thermostat can also play a role in your home’s comfort level. Be sure to read our blog on proper thermostat placement to learn more.
The way the room is situated
Sometimes, uneven heating and cooling is simply the result of how your rooms are situated. For example, a room that spends all day getting sunlight will be warmer than one that faces away from the sun. And if you live someplace that’s especially warm or cold, the size and number of windows in a room – along with how well the windows are sealed – can affect the temperature.
How can I deal with uneven heating and cooling?
If you’re experiencing uneven heating or cooling, you can make things more comfortable by:
- Finding and patching leaky ductwork. In theory, you can do this with duct tape. But you might want to consider working with a professional HVAC technician. They’ll know where to look for leaks and will have more sophisticated equipment to give you a better seal.
- Replacing old, ineffective insulation and making sure your windows are properly sealed.
- Installing a programmable thermostat, which will allow you to control your home’s temperature better.
Is your home feeling humid when it should be cool? Chilly when it should be warm? All Seasons Comfort Control can help. Our technicians can examine your system and make sure it provides even heating and cooling year-round. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
It’s easy to feel ready for the summer, especially after a long, cold winter and dreary, rainy spring.
But although you might be ready for the start of summer, that doesn’t mean your central air conditioner is as well. Your air conditioning unit might be running fine now, but is it prepared to tackle the height of summer when you’ll be running the AC non-stop?
The last thing any homeowner in Bucks County wants to deal with during a heatwave is a failing central air conditioning unit , which is why it’s important to take steps now to maintain your system.
Warranties can be tricky.
We all want the peace of mind that comes with knowing that we won’t have to pay too much to repair fairly new products.
But not all warranties are the same. Some offer more than others, which is why it pays to do some research before you buy. In this blog post, we’ll look at what to expect from a good HVAC warranty.
When you bought your home, you knew the right questions to ask: How much space is there? Is this a quiet neighborhood? What are the schools like?
But when it comes to buying new air conditioners, homeowners often aren’t sure what to ask HVAC companies. If you’re searching for a new AC unit, be sure you pose these questions:
As most local heating and cooling companies can tell you, March is a notoriously fickle month.
Some years we get 31 days of early spring, other years winter throws its big blow-out.
It’s a very changeable month, hence the old saying “If March comes in like a lion, it will go out like a lamb.” It’s a pretty straightforward concept: it’s winter when the month begins and spring when it ends.
But what about years when March goes from lion to lamb and back in the space of a few weeks or even a few days? It’s a fact of life for heating and cooling companies: these temperature swings can put a strain on your system.
In this week’s blog post, we’ll look for ways to keep your home comfortable during cool summers and warm winters without having to put too much strain on your HVAC system.
When it’s warm during the winter
We tend not to complain too much when we get an unseasonably warm winter day. Still, you might think it’s too early in the year to have your air conditioner running.
If that’s the case, you can keep things comfortable during warmer winters by:
- Opening windows – This will create a cooling cross breeze and help your home feel less stuffy after several months without much fresh air.
- Cooking outdoors – Get a jump start on grilling season. You’ll be able to enjoy a delicious meal while not having to worry about your stove or oven adding warmth to your home.
- Switching bedding – Thick blankets and flannel sheets are indispensable on frigid winter nights but might not be practical during a warmer-than-usual spring. Swap them out for the type of bedding you’d use in summer: cotton or other breathable fabrics.
- Use your bathroom fan – Removing steam from your bathroom after a shower will help things feel cooler.
When it’s cool in the summer
Pennsylvania summers can be brutal, with day after day of nearly triple-digit weather. But sometimes we get summers that feel more like fall.
Instead of turning on your heat on cool summer nights, you can keep things warm by:
- Use your curtains and blinds – Make sure you have your curtains and/or blinds open during the day to allow the sun to warm your home. When the sun sets, close your blinds/curtains to prevent heat loss through your windows.
- Dress for the weather – You might want to dig out some warm weather clothes early. A fuzzy sweater can make a big difference on cool summer nights.
- Keep out drafts – If you have a fireplace, close the flue. Use weather-stripping at your windows to prevent drafts.
- Use your humidifier – Humid air feels warmer than dry air. But don’t go overboard. Too much humidity can create mold. Turning off your bathroom fan will also help the air feel warmer and more humid after a shower.
- Do some cooking – From soup to coffee to oatmeal, warming food on the stove – and then enjoying what you’ve prepared – will make you and your home feel warmer.
How do temperature swings affect my HVAC system?
Fluctuating temperatures impact your heating and cooling system decrease its overall efficiency. With temperatures changing – and then changing back – your system is working harder than necessary and constantly using energy.
Has your heating system been working harder than usual lately? It might be time to start researching local heating and cooling companies to have your system examined.
No matter the weather outside, the team at All Seasons Comfort Control can make things feel comfortable indoors. Contact us today to schedule maintenance.
Some things are tough to part with. The car we used to teach our kids to drive. Our favorite piece of cookware. Our lucky t-shirt.
Then there’s our HVAC system. It’s not that we love it, exactly, but it’s a large and complex part of the home. Replacing it might seem impractical or even impossible.
Living in a home with too much humidity can be unpleasant. Everything feels swampy and you find yourself dealing with mold and mildew.
But your home needs some humidity for things to be hospitable. When the air gets too dry, you’re faced with issues ranging from chapped lips to damaged wood furniture.
Ideally, the humidity level in your home should be anywhere between 30 to 50 percent, with an optimal level right in the middle of that range, 45 percent.
February brings us Valentine’s Day, a chance for people to show their loved ones that they’re loved.
But what about your HVAC system? When was the last time you showed it some love? We’d be hard-pressed to argue that your heating system is a member of the family, but it is an important part of your home. When you give it the care and maintenance it needs, it will take care of you.
Writing a heating and cooling blog can be tricky around this time of year.
All it takes is an unseasonably warm winter – or for that matter, an unusually mild summer – to make topics like “How to Keep Your Home from Feeling Cold” seem a little misguided.
