Uneven cooling is a common issue for homeowners in the Greater Charlotte area. Several factors can cause inconsistent temperatures throughout your home, from blocked vents to poor insulation. Let’s explore the steps you can take on your own as well as issues that may require professional assistance.
Leaky Ductwork
Leaky ductwork reduces the amount of cooled air reaching your living spaces, leading to higher energy bills and uneven temperatures. If you notice rooms that stay warmer than others or unusually high cooling costs, leaking ducts could be the cause. Our technicians can repair and seal your ducts to ensure your system delivers air efficiently throughout your home, restoring balanced cooling and lowering energy expenses.
Blocked Vents
Obstructions near your vents, such as furniture, rugs, or curtains, can restrict airflow and contribute to uneven cooling in your home. To improve air circulation and comfort, rearrange furniture and remove any items blocking your vents. As a rule of thumb, keep at least 12 to 18 inches of clear space around supply vents and 18 to 24 inches around return vents to ensure proper airflow. Proper clearance allows your air conditioner to distribute cooled air evenly.
Poor Insulation
Insufficient insulation in your attic, walls, or crawlspaces can cause uneven temperatures throughout your home. These areas are critical barriers against outside heat, and when they are under-insulated, some rooms, especially those above uninsulated crawlspaces or near poorly insulated exterior walls, can become noticeably warmer. Ensuring that your attic, walls, and crawlspaces have adequate insulation helps maintain consistent temperatures.
Drafty Windows
Drafty or aging windows can allow hot air to seep in and cool air to escape, making it difficult to maintain consistent temperatures throughout your home. These leaks often contribute to uneven cooling, especially in rooms with large or sun-facing windows.
If replacing your windows is not currently in your budget, there are several steps you can take to improve comfort and reduce cooling loss. Sealing gaps with caulk or weatherstripping can help limit air leakage. You should also consider using thermal curtains, especially during the sunniest part of the day, to block out heat and reduce the strain on your AC system.
Oversized or Undersized AC System
An improperly sized air conditioning system can significantly contribute to uneven home cooling. When purchasing a new AC unit, it’s essential to work with a professional who can accurately determine the correct size for your home.
If the system is too large, it will cycle on and off frequently, a process called short cycling, which prevents it from running long enough to cool your home evenly. This leads to temperature fluctuations and higher energy bills. Conversely, an undersized system will struggle to keep up with your household’s cooling demands, resulting in consistently warm rooms.
Our professionals use a detailed process called a Manual J load calculation to avoid these issues. This calculation takes into account multiple factors, including your home’s square footage, insulation levels, window types and placement, local climate, and even the number of occupants. By analyzing these items, the load calculation determines the precise cooling capacity your home requires, ensuring the AC system runs efficiently and maintains consistent temperatures throughout your living spaces.
Zoning Issues
Zoning allows you to independently control the temperature of different areas in your home. This means you can keep your most frequently used rooms comfortably cool while adjusting or reducing cooling in less-used spaces, which can improve comfort and energy efficiency.
However, if your zoning system is improperly designed or calibrated, it can lead to uneven cooling. Some zones may become too cold while others remain warm. Common issues include incorrectly placed dampers, malfunctioning thermostats, or poor airflow between zones.
Correcting zoning problems requires an experienced HVAC technician who can inspect your system, identify faults, and properly balance airflow throughout your home. Our professionals will ensure that each zone receives the right amount of cooling, helping prevent discomfort and improving overall system operation.
Your AC Repair Team
At Arce Heating & AC, we’ve been serving the residents of Fort Mill, SC and the surrounding areas since 2009. We install, repair, and maintain cooling systems. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced technicians for AC repair or any other service we offer.
