Cold spots in some rooms in your home can be uncomfortable during a chilly winter, but it's not a problem that you simply have to live with. Here are some effective ways to eliminate cold spots so you can enjoy a more consistent temperature house-wide:
GIVE THE DUCTWORK SOME ATTENTION
Damaged or deteriorated ductwork can cost you 20 percent or more of your furnace's hot air output. If airflow through the ductwork isn't balanced, it may not be sending sufficient warm air to every room. A certified HVAC technician can assess your air distribution system and make corrective changes, such as installing additional supply or return ducts. A pro can also properly seal and insulate the ducts to curb air leakage and heat loss.
ZONE THE SYSTEM
If you have a multi-story or large home that's impossible to heat evenly, zoning the HVAC can help. Zoning breaks the space down into two or more independent heating areas, which lets you program specific temperatures for each one depending on need and occupancy. An HVAC technician installs wired duct dampers connected to a dedicated thermostat to create separate zones, then connects all the thermostats to one central control panel.
LOOK INTO VARIABLE-SPEED TECHNOLOGY
If your heating system currently has a single-speed blower, it's bound to cause warmer and cooler periods as it cycles on and off to satisfy your thermostat setting. Installing a variable-speed air handler can virtually eliminate such temperature variations. These air handlers can adjust their speed incrementally, and they also run for extended cycles on the lowest feasible speed setting.
UPGRADE TO TWO-STAGE HEATING
If your existing furnace is due for replacement, it's worth investing in a new two-stage model that's equipped with a dual-position fuel valve and able to modulate its output. Your furnace will cycle less often, but run for longer periods on the lowest heat output, so you'll enjoy more consistent heating and save energy.
Visit our Valley Heating, Cooling, Electrical website for in-depth information on most HVAC topics, or for more advice on how to eliminate cold spots, just give us a call at (408) 868-5500.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in the South Bay Peninsula and Santa Cruz areas of California about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).