How to Solve Uneven Home Cooling Issues

August 7, 2016

If your home suffers from uneven cooling, you’re not alone.  Many people find that the temperature of the air in their home differs from room to room, sometimes significantly.  Your living room may be completely comfortable throughout the day, but you end up tossing and turning in the heat of your bedroom at night.  Over time, various factors can reduce an air conditioning system’s ability to cool all parts of your home evenly, including age, ductwork problems and even dirty air filters. 

Luckily, there are some quick and simple solutions that you can use to address the problem of uneven cooling in your home! 

Add attic insulation

If your home lacks sufficient insulation in the attic, you may not be getting the full benefit of your air conditioning system.  You attic’s insulation serves to keep cool air in and hot outside air out, and a lack of it can create a noticeable difference in temperature between the top and bottom levels of your home.  If your attic is unfinished, put insulation between the floor joists.  If it’s finished, install home insulation just as you do for regular living space – between studs and rafters of exterior walls, and along the ceiling. 

Check for leaks and blockages

Air leaks in your duct system can cause air meant for a specific destination to bleed off before it can arrive.  These leaks in your ducts can potentially make your air conditioning system work harder to compensate for the missing air, leading to even more problems.  Have a professional inspect your ducts if you suspect that leaks are contributing to the uneven cooling around your home. 

Blocked and dirty vents can also be a source of uneven cooling in your home.  Make sure to move any furniture that may be blocking your vents and check for dust and debris buildup.  You can vacuum them with an attachment to loosen and remove the debris. 

Switch your fan settings

Thermostats have a fan switch that toggles between “on”, and “auto”, while more modern models might have additional settings.  Switching your fan into the “on” position will keep air circulating after the cooling cycle goes off.  This will help to continually circulate the air in your home and even out temperatures between floors.