Causes of Uneven Cooling in Your Home

by George Karonis

Is your AC unit running, but not spreading around cool air in your home like it should? If so, this is known as uneven cooling and it's actually a common problem many encounter with air conditioners. It’s culprit could be one or more of the following:

  1. Clogged Air Filter

If you have a clogged air filter in your HVAC system, it could be the source of uneven cooling. It's always a good idea to check the air filter regularly if it seems your air conditioner isn't working as well as it should be. If your air conditioner's airflow is becoming throttled due to the filter, it will translate to less air being able to reach different rooms. You should change the filter every month to three months to help prevent this.

  1. HVAC Unit is Not Sized Properly

If your HVAC system isn't big enough, it will have a hard time adequately cooling the areas of your house. A trained HVAC professional could help you figure out if this is the problem to uneven cooling.

  1. Daytime Heat Gain

Daytime heat gain could cause various areas of your home to be warmer than others. In the summer months, the sun could potentially add up to 10 degrees more to your house in the daytime. This is a substantial amount of heat and you'll definitely feel it.

But, there are things you can do to greatly decrease the daytime heat gain amount in your home. You can try blinds or long drapes to block the sun out. You can circulate the air better with ceiling fans or use specialized window screens to also block the sun out which act like a natural shield against the heat from the sun.

Ways to Fix Uneven Cooling

There are ways you can fix uneven cooling, including:

  1. Check Your Vents

Check for blockages in you vents and make sure there aren't any closed. Many individuals who are trying to save money close some of the vents, but this actually leads to uneven cooling since your AC unit relies on a certain air pressure range.

  1. Check the Ductwork

Have a professional come in to inspect the air return vents for debris or air leaks.

  1. Install a Zoning System

If you have one thermostat on the main level of a two-story house, the upper level areas might not cool down comfortably enough. Installing a zoning system is a good solution. Zoning divides your home into a couple or more spaces for cooling through the use of motorized duct system dampers. You'll have an independent thermostat installed in every zone.

  1. Install a Whole House Fan

Using a whole house fan can allow you to cool your home most of the year in place of your air conditioner. A whole house fan, when you combine it with ceiling fans and other types of fans, offer a more cooler, comfortable living environment, even in hot temperatures. You should also install an attic fan to cool your hot attic.

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