Between the snow, winds, wild temperature fluctuations, and other harsh conditions, the winter months will put your HVAC to the test. New York winters tend to be especially rough on your equipment, so issues such as cold spots forming are reported quite often. The good news is that we have ample experience helping customers like you identify the cause of inconsistent heating in their homes. The following guide will explain the most common reasons for cold spots during winter. As you check for each potential trouble source, you are bound to find the culprit of your issue. From there, we can certainly assist you in restoring your home’s comfort as soon as possible.
Old HVAC Filters
Although it is incredibly easy to forget to change your HVAC filters regularly, this is one of the most critical maintenance procedures to follow through on. It is ideal to change it every two months. Warm air will travel much farther when a clean filter allows optimal air flow to pass through. This may be all it takes to cover any cold spots on the far side of the building.
Obstructed Ventilation Ducts
If you have a cold spot in a particular area, make sure rugs or other objects are not blocking the vent cover in that room. Most vents require at least 6 to 12 inches of clearance and should be kept clean and clear to effectively circulate air into a room. While you are at it, check every vent in the house to prevent additional cold spots from forming later on.
Equipment Mismatch
Regardless of your heater type, each model has technical specifications that determine how many square feet the device can cover. The larger your home, the more power you will need to keep the whole property comfortable. You can schedule a professional load calculation service to determine the optimal heater for your home’s size. It is also wise to order a load calculation if you have plans to renovate or add rooms. If you recently performed renovations or additions without a load calculation, then your old equipment is likely no longer suited for the size of your home.
Thermostat Positioning
When your thermostat is too close to a source of warmth, the sensors may prematurely detect that your desired temperature has been reached. This causes your thermostat to stop heating before the house reaches a uniform temperature. Common sources of heat to look out for include heaters, lamps, and vent covers. You can try to move a thermostat yourself, but you risk damaging components if you are not precisely sure of what to do. That’s why we recommend booking one of our expert technicians to professionally install a new smart thermostat.
Unsealed Leaks and Gaps
Homes with improper air sealing or small gaps around the perimeter will lose warmth rather quickly. Areas with a significant number of gaps will inevitably start to feel colder than the rest of your home. Check the edges of all your windows and doors for drafts. Seal off any spots where you notice incoming air. Next, walk along the exterior walls of your house with caulk in hand. Fill in all cracks and gaps you find along the way to reduce heat loss.
Poor Insulation
Insulation is another crucial factor that determines how well your HVAC can do its job. Weak insulation in any area can make it feel chilly. Areas like the basement or attic need special care to remain fortified from harsh conditions. A professional insulation service from Heatwave Heating & Cooling is the simplest way to get this done right. Our thorough technicians know how to achieve full insulation coverage throughout your home.
Heatwave Heating & Cooling is well known throughout Amherst for delivering outstanding comfort services to all our customers. Our technicians are NATE certified, meaning they can handle nearly any task that comes their way. Whether you need help with heating, cooling, repairs, installations, insulation, thermostats, or general HVAC services, we are confident in our ability to provide fast and reliable solutions. We even offer 24/7 emergency scheduling, so you never have to go without an operational HVAC system for long.
For fast and reliable HVAC service in Amherst, NY, call Heatwave Heating & Cooling today.
