Home Temp: Can it ever be perfect

It’s a mystery: why is there always one room in the house that feels like a pizza oven and another that feels like an igloo? No matter how much you strip down or put on ski wear, it’s never comfortable in those particular rooms. Temperature variation throughout a home is actually quite common. Here are steps you can take to balance the unintentional temperature differences in your home and save money on your energy bills all year round. 

Rooms further away from the HVAC itself can vary in temperature because of the distance from the HVAC unit itself and the distance from the ductwork. Make sure the ductwork is installed properly and insulated as much as possible to keep conditioned air from escaping. Check the insulation and ductwork frequently to make sure they’re not leaking. 

Temperature variation throughout a home is actually quite common.

In a room with more windows, that incoming sunlight can warm a room to uncomfortable levels quickly. Put up curtains, drapes, blinds, or other window coverings to keep sunlight out during specific times of the day. Adding weatherstripping and ensuring windows and doors are properly sealed helps keep temperatures balanced.

Rooms on the upper floors frequently feel warmer than the first floor because heat rises. A second-story bedroom temperature can be 8-10 degrees higher. Adding a ceiling fan can help move the air and regulate temperatures in these rooms. Another option is to add a second thermostat on the 2nd floor for better heating and cooling balance.

A second-story bedroom temperature can be 8-10 degrees higher.

Another solution is to install smart vents and a smart thermostat in each room. You can program and control smart vents on the internet to open and close dampers and registers in individual areas for easy use. Programmable thermostats are also a good investment with homes that have hot and cold spots.  

In a larger home, temperature regulation can be a little more difficult with ductwork sprawling and rooms farther away from the actual HVAC unit. In this case, a second unit may be more appropriate and less stressful on a single unit. With a two-story home, a good rule of thumb is to have two HVAC units, one for each floor. With two HVACs, you can add a zoning system and control each individual thermostat independently. If you’re in one zone most of the day, you can set the second zone to a more energy-efficient and cost-effective temperature and vice versa. 

Striking the right balance of temperature comfort and energy efficiency can be a mystery in HVAC control. With a few simple changes and adjustments, you’ll have your home comfort levels balanced and energy-efficient in no time. 

Call GreenBox Home Services to find your home comfort happy medium Today (859) 278-0281.