Why Are Some Rooms Colder or Hotter Than Others?

Key Takeaways:

• If some rooms of your home feel colder or warmer than others, there’s likely an issue with your ductwork, insulation, or HVAC unit.
• Problems like blocked vents, clogged filters, and leaking ducts can prevent air from properly circulating around your home, making it difficult to regulate the temperature.
• Professional solutions such as duct cleaning, zoned system installation, and HVAC maintenance can quickly restore airflow and balance your home’s temperature.
• Dugan Air offers trusted solutions that eliminate uneven temperatures and restore comfortable, consistent airflow to your Indiana home.

Common Causes of One Room Being Colder (or Hotter) Than Others

Feel like one room is always cooler or warmer than the rest? If you switch on your AC or turn up the heat but still can’t get the temperature right, there’s likely an underlying issue preventing proper airflow. 

Uneven temperatures often stem from problems with your HVAC system, ductwork, or home insulation. Below, we’ll explore the most common reasons why some rooms are colder than others, so you can fix the problem and get your comfort back on track.

Ductwork problems

Your duct system is responsible for distributing warm or cool air throughout your home. Damage, leaks, poor design, and improper damper balancing can affect its ability to circulate air, leaving one room much cooler or warmer than others. 

Blocked vents

When furniture, rugs, decor, or curtains cover up vents and block airflow, it can prevent air from circulating around your home. Blocked vents limit the amount of cool or warm air that reaches a room, making your Indiana home feel uncomfortable even when your HVAC is running. The restricted airflow also puts extra strain on your HVAC system, forcing it to work overtime, driving up energy costs, and increasing the risk of early failure.

Clogged air filters

Your HVAC system continuously circulates air through a filter to capture dust, debris, and allergens. Without regular replacements, the filter can become clogged, restricting airflow and making it harder to keep a consistent temperature throughout your home. 

Improper sizing

If your HVAC system isn’t the right fit for your home, it can make it challenging to maintain a comfortable temperature without adding a space heater or additional cooling unit. An HVAC that’s too small can’t keep up, leaving some rooms too hot or too cold. On the other hand, one that’s too big will turn on and off too quickly, creating temperature swings and putting extra wear and tear on the components.

Thermostat malfunction

When your thermostat stops working correctly, it can interfere with your entire HVAC system. Faulty readings can make some rooms too hot or too cold, forcing your system to run longer and waste energy. 

Poor insulation

Insulation in your walls, floors, and ceilings keeps your home at an even temperature by trapping warm air inside during the winter and keeping heat out during the summer. If your home lacks proper insulation, your HVAC system has to work harder and can struggle to regulate the temperature.

What Indiana Homeowners Can Try Before Calling a Technician

Before you call in the pros, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take to see if you can resolve the issue yourself. The following simple fixes and adjustments can help to improve airflow and balance the temperature in your Johnson County home:

• Clear furniture, curtains, and rugs away from the vents to allow for proper airflow.
• Replace or clean your HVAC air filter.
• Check that your vents are fully open.
• Change your thermostat setting from “auto” to “on”.
• Perform a visual inspection of your ductwork, checking for leaks or damage.
• Run ceiling fans clockwise in the winter and counterclockwise in the summer.

Professional Solutions for Persistent Hot or Cold Rooms

If you’ve tried everything and the room still feels too hot or too cold, it’s time to call in the experts. Experienced pros can quickly identify hidden issues, make adjustments, and provide repairs or HVAC upgrades that get your home back to a comfortable temperature. Common solutions include:

• Ductwork services: Pros use specialized tools to locate and seal leaks, remove blockages, and improve airflow.
• Installing zoning systems: Installing a zoned HVAC system lets you divide your home into zones for targeted heating and cooling.  
• Furnace and AC maintenance: Scheduling bi-annual HVAC maintenance keeps your heating and cooling systems running properly and catches any hidden airflow issues. 
• Insulation upgrades: Adding or upgrading the insulation in your attics, walls, or crawlspaces helps reduce heat transfer and regulate your home temperature.
• HVAC replacement: If your HVAC is the wrong size or severely damaged, pros can replace it with a properly sized, high-efficiency unit that’s tailored to your Indiana home.

Call the Experts at Dugan for HVAC Services in Indiana 

If some rooms of your home are feeling a little too warm or chilly for your liking, we’re here to help. At Dugan Air, we have over 14 years of experience helping Indiana residents get their home temperature just right. Whether you need a quick thermostat replacement, duct cleaning, annual maintenance, or a brand-new system, you can count on our team to get the job done right. 

Call us today to schedule your HVAC service and experience the Dugan difference. We proudly serve homeowners throughout Johnson County and the surrounding areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the upstairs of my home always feel warmer than downstairs?

Heat naturally rises, so it’s not uncommon for the upstairs of your home to feel a little warmer than downstairs. But if you notice a significant temperature shift as you walk up the stairs, there may be a deeper issue with your insulation, ducts, or HVAC system. 

Does installing a fan help regulate temperatures? 

Installing a ceiling fan can offer a temporary fix for uneven temperatures, but it’s not a long-term solution. To fully balance out the temperature in your home, you need to address the underlying issue with your HVAC system.  

Can a broken component cause some rooms to be the wrong temperature?

Yes, a malfunctioning or damaged blower motor, thermostat, or heat exchanger can prevent proper airflow, making some rooms too hot or too cold. If you suspect a failing component within your HVAC system, give our team a call to schedule repair. 

How can I tell if my HVAC system is too small for my home?

If your HVAC system runs for extended periods, struggles to heat or cool your home, and uses more energy than it should, it may be too small for your home. Our team performs thorough assessments to carefully size your home and find the right fit for your heating and cooling needs.

Why is one room in my house always hot?

Your thermostat placement, uneven zoning, or failing AC components can cause one room of your home to feel much hotter than others. Our pros can pinpoint the issue and provide quick solutions that get cool air flowing again. 

Dan Dugan

President
Dan Dugan is the President and co-owner of Dugan Air Heating & Cooling. A licensed HVAC professional with over 25 years of industry experience, Dan brings extensive technical expertise and leadership to the company he and Sue founded in 2009. He remains deeply involved in training, innovation, and maintaining the company’s reputation for integrity-driven service across Central Indiana.