People in homes with multiple levels often note that upstairs is much warmer than downstairs. Sure, heat rises, but this is about more than that. Uneven heat usually an indicator of an airflow issue, and there are many possible causes. Most of the culprits for poor airflow in the house are easy for homeowners to troubleshoot. The ones that are more complex are best handled by a professional, like one of the technicians on Vaughn’s friendly, reliable team of experts.
Here are six common causes of airflow problems and our recommendations on how to best address each of them for your Rhode Island home.
If your system’s air filter is dirty or clogged, the heat will be unable to make its way throughout the house evenly. Keep the filter clean by changing it (or cleaning it, if it’s not disposable) monthly during the winter, and at least every three months throughout the rest of the year. Households with people who have allergies—or furry pets—should see their air filters cleaned more often.
If your attic is lacking adequate installation, heat will travel up that way, creating the unevenness you’re trying to avoid. This guide, created by the Department of Energy, is a good way to see whether your Rhode Island home is insulated to the extent that it should be. Check it out to find out if your insulation (or lack of it) might be causing airflow issues in your home. Contact us with questions!
Some issues are much easier to troubleshoot than others, and this is one of the more straightforward ones. If your furnace is set to “Auto,” it could be causing an airflow problem that’s making your upstairs feel too warm. Switch the setting to “On,” so the air circulates continuously, rather than settling upstairs.
Another thermostat-related approach is to switch your home to zoned heating. This will enable you to manage the heat based on where it is in the home.
Incorrectly installed—or damaged—ductwork will cause the heat to flow through your house unevenly. In cases like this, the furnace has to work much harder than it should, and the temperature will still not be regulated. If you’d like us to assess your ductwork, contact us today.
Many homes’ upper-level rooms get full sunlight, and as a result, are far warmer than the rest of the house. Close the shades, blinds or curtains to manage the temperature in these rooms and to help them maintain a temperature that’s more in line with the rest of your home.
This is an easy trap to fall into, but it’s also quite easy to fix! If you have vents that are closed or blocked, the air is simply not going to get through properly. Check your vents to make sure the airflow is not obstructed in any way: by a closed vent, furniture, rugs, toys or other debris.
You’ll stay comfortable all season long when you help your heating system do its job efficiently and cost-effectively! In need of a delivery or service? Let us know today!
