Downstairs Colder During The Winter? Learn What Could Be The Problem
If you have a two-story home, you might find that the winter season is not the most comfortable in your home. For many people, a common complaint is that the second floor of their house is warm and toasty, and the first floor feels eerily similar to the outside. If you have this experience — it is not normal. The issue is telling of something that is wrong. Learn some of the places you should look to solve the problem.
Unit Size
A heating unit must be sized to accommodate the size of the home it services. If the unit is too small, some parts of the house will be warm and others will be cold.
If your home is brand-new or the cold areas on the first floor developed after a major update to your home, it is likely that the unit is not equipped to provide adequate heat delivery for the upstairs and downstairs. Having an HVAC technician assess the size of the unit is a great starting place.
If the unit is sized appropriately, you may be able to install a zone system. A zoning system will allow you to adjust the temperature on the first floor of your home to a higher setting than the upper floor to maintain an even temperature throughout.
Air Ducts
The first floor of your home might also feel cooler due to a problem with the air ducts. Air ducts must be cleaned and inspected periodically. Dirt, debris, and other contaminants can obstruct airflow through the air ducts, which could result in limited heat delivery in certain parts of your home.
For example, if the supply air duct for the first floor is clogged but the second-floor supply duct is not, it will feel cooler downstairs. A small hole in the ducts could cause the warm air to escape, which could cause a similar problem.
Regular inspections involve cleaning the ducts and identifying any leaks to ensure proper heat delivery. The needs of each home are different, but it is a good idea to anticipate that you will need to have the air ducts in your home serviced around every three to five years.
Whenever the heat in your home does not feel even, it is always a good idea to contact a heating services professional. From a thorough inspection to a diagnosis, a professional will ensure your heating concerns are addressed.