If you have cold spots in your home, you’re not alone. Temperature inconsistencies in one or more parts of a house are common. And though ghost hunters might suggest otherwise, the cold spots in your house are probably not the result of paranormal activity.
Following is a list of some of the most common reasons for cold spots. The good news is that once the cause of the cold spots is identified, the problem will likely be easy—and relatively inexpensive—to correct. Moreover, the problem should be corrected, as it will save you money on your energy bills, and also reduce the wear and tear on your HVAC system.
What is a cold spot?
A cold spot is a localized area that is noticeably cooler than the surrounding area. There are many possible causes for cold spots in a house, many of which are easily addressed.
Why does my house have have cold spots?
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Your furnace is too big (or small) for your home
An incorrectly sized unit will make it much less likely that the temperature in your house stays consistent across-the-board, as some areas may get too much heat and some too little. For example, if your HVAC system is too large, it may cycle on and off too frequently (short cycling), which can cause fluctuations in temperature that lead to cold spots.
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Your air ducts are leaking
In this scenario, heat is being lost through cracks and leaks in your air ducts, so the heat never makes it to all the parts of the house that need to be heated. According to Energy Star, “in a typical house, about 20 to 30 percent of the air that moves through the duct system is lost due to leaks, holes, and poorly connected ducts.” The problem is that leaky air ducts reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system, so the system must work harder, which in turn increases your energy bill.
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Your duct system is improperly designed or sized
If you live in an older house—and many of the Nashville neighborhoods we serve are filled with older homes—the duct system may not be a good fit with a more modern, energy efficient HVAC system. If you have old ductwork and a relatively new HVAC system, consider getting the ductwork inspected. Inefficiency aside, old or leaky ductwork can shorten the lifespan of a new system by causing it to work harder than it was designed for. Jewell technicians can assess your ductwork and work with you to decide whether your ductwork needs to be replaced or repaired.
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Your thermostat is poorly positioned
It’s also conceivable that your thermostat is playing a role in creating cold spots. If your thermostat is in a room or hallway that stays relatively warm, the heat may not run long enough to heat a colder part of the house. Consider adding a “smart” thermostat, one that can be controlled remotely.
You may also want to consider zoning your home—that is, creating the ability to independently control the temperature and comfort level of different areas of your house.
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You don’t have enough heating vents
It’s also possible that your home lacks enough heating vents—or they aren’t in the proper location(s)—which may lead to cold spots. Or, if you’ve added on to your home, the extra room(s) must be taken into account or your HVAC system may not work as efficiently as you would like it to.
If you’re concerned that your home has an improperly sized HVAC system or issues related to the ductwork, we encourage you to contact us online or to call us at (615) 469-5965 to arrange an inspection of your residential HVAC system. As always, we’re here to help!