The cold weather has arrived and Thanksgiving is just around the corner. You’re planning Thanksgiving festivities but there’s one thing that’s bothering you: you’re not entirely sure your furnace’s performance is up to snuff.
Perhaps your furnace seems to be working at keeping your home warm and cozy. But something’s just not right. Some rooms feel colder or warmer than they should. Your house has a case of uneven heating, a common issue that homeowners encounter with their furnaces. You’ll notice uneven heating when one room feels hot and stuffy while another room feels freezing cold.
Whatever is causing it, you can trust us to remedy your uneven home heating. Here are some of the more common causes of this problem we’ve encountered among Colorado Springs, CO HVAC units. This list applies to forced-air systems such as gas and electric furnaces.
Bad Ventilation
When the airflow is reduced or blocked in your furnace, it will result in some rooms being too cold. A common reason for this blockage is a dirty air filter. We recommend changing the filter every 1–3 months to prevent issues such as blockages. You may also have blocked vents in the chilly rooms. Check that all the vents in those rooms are fully open.
Short Cycling
Short cycling occurs when the furnace doesn’t complete a full heating cycle. It runs for a while but then shuts off early, only to turn back on in a short time. Because the furnace isn’t staying on long enough, some rooms don’t receive enough heat. Short cycling has various causes, but it’s important to have it looked at right away before the extra strain placed on the heating system causes larger issues.
Ductwork Problems
Poor ductwork can create comfort imbalances around a house. Leaky ducts create all types of problems and uneven heating is one of the first signs of leaks. Our ventilation professionals will pinpoint where the leaks are and then seal the ducts to make them airtight.
Thermostat Trouble
You might encounter uneven heating because the furnace won’t stop running. The thermostat may be sensing incorrect temperatures in the house or it could cause the heater to run for too long or not long enough. This could be a simple miscalibration or a faulty connection between the thermostat and the furnace. A miscalibrated thermostat can also result in the furnace running at the wrong times, leading to uneven heat distribution.
A Furnace That’s Too Old
Uneven heating can be a warning sign that your furnace is coming to the end of its service life. As its heating power declines, the rooms that are located further along the ventilation network won’t receive adequate heat levels like they’re supposed to. If you have a furnace that’s more than 15 years old, give us a call to schedule an inspection. We’ll give you our honest opinion on whether the furnace should be repaired or replaced.
Robbins Heating & Air Conditioning serves Colorado Springs, CO and the surrounding area. Want a professional opinion on your furnace? Just reach out to us!
