During summer, many homeowners are faced with the problem of some areas in their home feeling much warmer than others, even when the air conditioner is running. This is especially common in two-story homes, in which hot air will tend to rise to the second floor. Luckily, there are some ways to even out temperature imbalances in your home, although some solutions require more of an investment than others.
1. Install Heat-Blocking Window Treatments
This is one of the most budget-friendly solutions for reducing hot and cold spots throughout your home, depending on how many windows you have. There are a variety of options to choose from, depending on the look you want and how much you’d like to spend. Some popular options include:
- Thermal curtains
- Solar shades
- Cellular shades
- Roman Shades
Installing these window treatments on windows that get afternoon sun will make the room feel around 3-5 degrees cooler.
2. Install Two Thermostats
If you have a two-story home, this is an option you may want to consider. You will want to install one thermostat for your top floor and the other thermostat for your bottom floor. When you program them, create a 2-degree difference between them.
For instance, if you program the downstairs thermostat to 70 degrees, program your upstairs thermostat to 72 degrees to balance uneven temperatures.
3. Get Ductwork Inspected for Leaks
If ductwork is not properly sealed, that means air is escaping on its way through your ducts through holes or gaps in connections. This, in turn, makes your HVAC system less efficient because it will take longer for the system to cool or warm your home.
In some cases, gaps in air ducts might cause weak airflow to a specific area of your home, resulting in warm or cold spots. Getting your ductwork inspected and repaired may seem a little costly up front, but it rewards you with a more efficient HVAC system, lower energy bills, and a more comfortable home.
4. Install a Mini-Split
Mini-splits can make a vast difference in your comfort that you’ll notice right away during summer. Mini-splits cool individual rooms and can be used on their own or in conjunction with a central AC system. There is no ductwork involved, and they can help reduce your energy bill by decreasing your reliance on your central AC.
If you’re looking for an effective, long-term solution for temperature imbalances in your home, contact the heating and cooling experts at Dial One Sonshine in Santa Ana, CA. All our HVAC technicians are fully licensed and trained in mini-split installation and repair.