Most multi-story homes in California have differing temperatures in the upstairs and the downstairs areas. Because of this we get asked the question “Will this new system make upstairs and downstairs the same temperature?”
A consistent temperature can be achieved by properly sizing and designing the equipment for the needs of the individual and their home. The home may require added returns, zoning, a mini-split system or a second system all together. Once the new system has been customized for the home the desired temperature can be maintained in every room. This guide will discuss the causes of temperature imbalances in your home and explain how you can alleviate those issues to keep your home feeling comfortable this summer.
The main causes of temperature imbalances include poor insulation/leaky ductwork, improperly sized HVAC systems, multilevel homes and inadequate return ducts:
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Poor Insulation and Leaky Ductwork
No matter how efficient or properly sized your HVAC system is, it won’t provide the home with a consistent temperature if conditioned air isn’t being retained. Gaps or deficiencies in your home’s insulation or ductwork can cause your HVAC systems’ hard work to go to waste by allowing air to escape. Escaping air makes it impossible to heat or cool effectively. Proper insulation and sealed ductwork are key to maintaining a consistent temperature in your home while helping you save money on your energy bill each month. -
Improperly Sized HVAC Systems
Having an HVAC system that is improperly sized for your home can cause temperature imbalance issues. An undersized HVAC system will struggle to circulate enough heat or air to control the temperature throughout your home. On the other hand, an oversized system will heat or cool your home too quickly, causing the area near your thermostat to reach the desired temperature before the rest of your home does. Consulting an HVAC professional to ensure that your system is the right size for your home is a crucial factor when trying to maintain a comfortable internal temperature. -
Multilevel Homes
If your home has multiple levels or stories, it can be difficult to properly balance the air due to the fact that warm air naturally rises as well as the long duct runs that are required to get air to every room. In a typical two-story home, there is generally an 8–10-degree temperature difference between the upstairs and downstairs. If this is the case in your home, you may want to consider a zoned HVAC system.
With zoning, your home is broken up into different areas or ‘zones’. Each zone has its own thermostat and temperature control that automatically adjusts the dampers in your duct system. A zoning system will allow you to adjust the temperature in each room or zone of your home, ensuring that a comfortable temperature can be maintained in every room. -
Inadequate Return Ducts
The return ducts in your home perform an important function by recycling air back to your air handler to be heated or cooled and redistributed. When there aren’t enough return ducts in your home or if they are improperly sized, your HVAC system has to fight against the unconditioned air in each room to provide adequate heating or cooling. One way to overcome this is to leave all doors open in your home, which can help with return airflow. If this doesn’t work, you’ll need to add more return ducts into your home. Installing new return ducts is a comprehensive project, but it will pay for itself in the long run while ensuring that your home maintains a constant temperature in the process.
Contact Certified Heating and Air Conditioning today if you are experiencing issues related to temperature imbalances in your home. One of our trained technicians will be happy to assist you with all of your HVAC needs. It is our job to make sure that your system is running properly, and your home is comfortable during the hot summer months!
Works Cited:
- https://medium.com/@KeenHome/7-causes-of-temperature-imbalances-in-the-home-f01e47a00f7c
- https://ushomefilter.com/temperature-imbalances/
- https://www.actionplumbingandheating.biz/4-problems-that-can-cause-a-temperature-imbalance-in-your-home
- https://www.atempheating.com/blog/2018/april/6-causes-of-temperature-imbalance-in-the-home/
