How To Heat And Cool Your Home More Evenly
Do you have central air conditioning? Does it seem like your home doesn't heat up and cool down very evenly?
Homes Don't Heat and Cool Evenly
It is perfectly normal for some rooms in your home to remain much warmer than other rooms regardless of their size or connection to the HVAC system. However, rooms that are further from the source of the heat (whether it is the furnace or AC pump) will be the hardest to control because the airflow can weaken as it travels through the long duct system.
In most homes, one side of the house will be warmer than the other because it receives more direct sunlight. In almost every multi-story home, the upper levels are also going to be warmer. So, when summer hits, homeowners often have to figure out how to make these hotter rooms more comfortable. Of course, some smart vent adjustments can divert airflow and make sure that the hotter rooms are receiving more AC flow. But this isn't always adequate enough.
When Fans Don't Solve Your Problem
You often need to beef up your airflow with ceiling or freestanding fans. In many cases, some rooms don't cool down as well because they don't receive a much airflow. However, even adjusting your registers and putting fans in the room might not be enough.
Portable Units
The best solution for these extremely hot rooms that just don't get cold enough is to invest in a portable air conditioning unit. Portable AC units are amazingly affordable and convenient. For a couple hundred dollars, you can easily cool down a moderate-sized room with a 10,000 BTU unit. These are ductless systems that simply need a DV power supply to work. Plug them in, and you are all set.
However, these units do work best when they're window mounted. Units that are just sitting on the ground inside your rooms aren't as efficient. Window units pull air from outside and can remove hot air from inside the building and replace it with the newly conditioned air. They are great because you can install the unit at the beginning of summer and then take it out when you no longer need it, so it isn't in your window year-round.
As you can see, window units might be your last resort and are only necessary for the absolute hottest room in your home. But, for many homeowners they are definitely the best option. If you have additional concerns about uneven cooling, contact an HVAC company like Polar Aire Heating & Cooling Inc.
