Living in an older home can present certain challenges when it comes to trying to keep warm throughout the winter. Many older houses have issues like poorly insulated walls and air leaks in the exterior structure that can lead to certain rooms frequently being quite a bit cooler. The good news is that there are some steps you can take to help your HVAC system distribute heat more evenly across the house without forcing it to work overtime or causing your energy bills to increase.
Keep All Vents Open
One mistake far too many people make is thinking that closing the vents in rooms that rarely get used will improve heat distribution and help the HVAC system to heat the occupied areas more quickly and more efficiently. Instead, closed vents lead to an increase in the static pressure within the ductwork. When the static pressure is higher than it should be, it means the heated air encounters additional resistance as it flows through the ducts.
This increased resistance makes it more difficult for the HVAC system to supply sufficient air to the rooms toward the ends of the supply ducts, which often results in those rooms not getting fully warm before the system shuts off. High static pressure can also lead to more air flowing out of the vents closest to the HVAC system, causing them to sometimes be too hot. By keeping all vents open and making sure nothing is obstructing the airflow coming out of them, you’ll have more balanced airflow from room to room and more consistent temperatures in every part of the house.
Leave Interior Doors Open
Another common mistake people make is keeping interior doors closed to trap heat inside each room. Closing interior doors creates several issues in terms of heat distribution and temperature control. It interferes with air circulation, making it more difficult for the HVAC system to draw in sufficient air through the return vents and ductwork. This results in the system not putting out as much hot air, leading to weak airflow coming out of the vents further away from the system.
If the HVAC system can’t properly circulate air around the house because too many doors are closed, it also creates a pressure imbalance between the open areas and the closed rooms. What happens is that the system continually draws in air from the central part of the house where the return vents are and then blows the air back out into the closed spaces.
This causes the pressure in the central areas to drop, which can lead to cold outdoor air getting sucked inside through gaps in the structure, such as around window and exterior door frames. The pressure in the closed rooms also continually increases to the point where it again becomes more difficult for the system to blow air into those rooms.
Replace HVAC Air Filter Regularly
Failing to replace your air filter often enough will always lead to decreased heating performance and more uneven heat distribution. A dirty filter restricts the incoming airflow, causing the system to blow less hot air into the supply ducts. When the airflow is restricted, it also leads to a significant increase in static pressure that prevents the system from circulating air evenly.
Not only do these issues lead to uneven temperatures and decreased comfort, but they also put excess strain on the system and result in it working less efficiently and consuming more energy.
Disposable air filters typically last for around 90 days, but you’re often better off replacing the filter every month or two. This is especially the case if your house is overly dusty, if anyone smokes in the home, or if you have indoor pets.
Reseal or Replace Leaky Ductwork
Ductwork leaks are a common problem in many homes, especially older ones. The biggest concern with leaky ductwork is that it can lead to significant energy waste. Leaks also cause an HVAC system to heat more slowly, resulting in longer cycles and higher heating costs. The other issue is obviously that leaks lead to a decrease in the amount of hot air flowing through the supply ducts. This again means that the rooms near the ends of the ducts won’t receive as much heat as the more central areas, resulting in them staying cooler.
One sign that your ductwork is leaking is if you hear a whistling sound coming from it when your HVAC system runs. If your ductwork is more than 20-25 years old, replacing it can significantly lower your energy bills and help your HVAC system heat more evenly. Most experts also recommend having your ductwork professionally resealed at least once every ten years.
Upgrade to a Variable-Speed HVAC System
Most HVAC systems are single-stage systems that have only one speed and always operate at full power. Running at full power allows the system to quickly heat the house, but it can also create issues with uneven temperatures and cold spots. What happens in many cases is that the system doesn’t stay on long enough to heat certain areas, such as the basement and rooms along the exterior of the house.
A variable-speed HVAC system has numerous speed settings that it continually cycles between based on the current heating needs. Other than on warmer days, the system will run almost constantly at a fairly low speed. This allows it to conserve energy while also ensuring that every part of the house receives sufficient heat. While variable-speed systems are quite a bit more expensive than single-stage systems, the benefits they provide in terms of improved efficiency and comfort can make upgrading to one a worthwhile investment.
Install HVAC Zoning Controls
Adding zoning controls to your HVAC system is one of the most effective solutions for ensuring even, consistent temperatures throughout the house. Zoning uses automatic metal dampers in different parts of the ductwork to divide the house into smaller heating zones.
Instead of the system being controlled by one thermostat, there is an independent thermostat in every zone. This enables you to control the temperature in each zone individually, which both helps to save energy and ensures that each zone stays at the correct temperature.
Once a zone reaches temperature, its damper will automatically close to block hot air from continuing to flow to the rooms in that zone. The system will still keep heating the other zones until they all reach the right temperature. Zoning works best with a variable-speed HVAC system, which can continually adjust its speed and how much heat it’s putting out based on how many zones are currently open.
Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance
Regular HVAC maintenance is crucial for avoiding issues that can lead to poor performance and uneven heat distribution. For instance, if the blower isn’t cleaned regularly, it will eventually start getting clogged with dust and not be able to circulate the amount of air the system needs to work at its peak. When servicing an HVAC system, a technician is also easily able to determine if the airflow is balanced, meaning there’s an equal amount of air flowing out of every vent.
Making minor adjustments to the ductwork or adjusting the blower speed can help provide more balanced airflow and ensure the system heats more evenly. Not only will a well-maintained HVAC system heat more evenly, but it will also work more efficiently, be less likely to break down, and have a longer lifespan.
When you need any assistance with your home’s heating, Childers Air Plumbing & Electric is the name to trust. We’ve been serving Beckley and the surrounding areas since 1951 and offer a range of solutions to help you boost your indoor comfort this winter. From maintenance to heating replacement and HVAC upgrades, we’re ready to assist with all of your heating needs. Call Childers Air Plumbing & Electric today for quality heating services.
