In a perfect world, the heating system in a building would ensure that every room inside the building is at the same temperature. In reality, however, rooms that are in the upper levels of a structure usually have a higher temperature than rooms in the lower levels.
For instance, you might have noticed that it is generally hotter upstairs than downstairs in your home. This problem can lead to occupants feeling hot when they are upstairs and others feeling comfortable downstairs. Have you ever wondered why this happens? Well, read on to find out.
HVAC Company West Windsor NJ: Improving Home Comfort This Winter
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Since winter temperatures can drop to freezing levels, you must service your heating system before the cold season of the year. Cleaning of air ducts as well as the furnace and replacement of air filters will, not only boost the efficiency of the heating system, but also its performance. This tune-up will also help to improve indoor air quality.
Furnace maintenance should only be done by qualified technicians with a lot of experience in the industry. As the heating system works to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature during the cold winter months, it is crucial you put in place the measures to ensure that there is an even temperature both upstairs and downstairs.
Causes of Temperature Differences in Your Home
Rising Warm Air & Second Story Houses
When your heating system heats cold air, it increases in volume, thereby reducing in density. As a result, warm air is pushed upwards as dense cold air displaces it. If you live in a multi-level home, all the heated air will rise to the upper levels of the house. Consequently, it will be hotter upstairs than downstairs.
Poor Ductwork Sizing Causes Temperature Imbalances
If the ductwork in your home is poorly designed and sized, some rooms in the house will not get the required airflow. If the ducts connecting the upper levels of your home are larger than those in the lower levels, more heated air may find its way upstairs, thereby causing the temperature differences in your home.
Lack of Exterior Doors Upstairs
One of the reasons why it is colder downstairs than upstairs is the fact that the main entrance to the house is located downstairs. Each time you open the door, you are letting in cold air and allowing heated air to escape. Similarly, if you open the back door, you will be losing precious heat. That is why your home will be hotter upstairs than downstairs.
Is Your Thermostat In An Improper Location?
The thermostat is responsible for switching the furnace on and off to ensure your home is adequately heated. If the temperature in the room drops below the desired level, the thermostat will turn on the furnace to initiate the heating cycle. Since thermostats are usually located in the living room, they are not effective in controlling the temperature of rooms in the upper levels. For instance, if a bedroom upstairs is already at the right temperature, but the temperature in the living room is not as hot, the thermostat will turn on the heating system and raise the temperature in your bedroom beyond the desired level.
How To Maintain An Even Temperature In Your Home
Zoned heating can help you maintain an even temperature in your home. You will need to install thermostats in different zones of your home. The system will ensure that it heats the colder rooms independently when the temperatures drop, without heating the areas that are already at the desired temperature.
While installing a zoned heating system can effectively fix this temperature variation problem, you should also hire a competent heating contractor to inspect your heating system and identify the root cause of the problem. Once identified, the heating contractor should fix the underlying problem to ensure you have an efficient heating system this winter.
Conclusion
PFO Heating & Air Conditioning has NATE certified technicians on staff to help you with all of your HVAC needs.
We offer superior heating and cooling repairs, tune-ups, installations, and replacements. Our team of HVAC contractors has the experience and knowledge to service your unit and keep it working optimally.
If you have any troublesome spots, we can find the best solutions to create an even and balanced temperature throughout your home. Furthermore, PFO Heating & Air Conditioning offers the most competitive HVAC service costs in the area. Call us today and schedule an appointment. We provide free, in-home estimates.
Some of the areas we service include Kingston, Plainsboro, Princeton, Princeton Junction, and these zip codes: 08528, 08536, 08540, 08550 as well as all surrounding areas in West Windsor Township, New Jersey.
Contact us now at (800) 253-9001 to find out more!