Have you ever been perfectly comfortable in a room in your house and left for another room, and suddenly you’re freezing? You look at your thermostat, and neither room seems to be what the thermostat is registering. In frustration, you ask, “Why is my room temperature different from the thermostat setting?”
There could be several reasons the room temperature is different from the thermostat setting. Let’s look at some possible causes below, and we will delve into each to offer suggestions for solving the potential problem.
- Poor insulation
- Obstructions blocking airflow from the HVAC vents
- A malfunctioning thermostat
- A dirty air filter in the HVAC system
- A malfunctioning HVAC system
Poor insulation
Poor insulation can lead to a variety of issues, including high energy bills, feeling uncomfortable in your home, and potential damage to the structure of the building. Insulation helps to keep warm air inside during the winter and cool air inside during the summer, and a lack of insulation can lead to drafts and cold spots, making the home feel drafty and unevenly heated. In extreme cases, moisture can also build up in the walls, leading to mold and structural damage. Overall, poor insulation can greatly impact the energy efficiency and livability of a home.
Some possible areas to improve your home’s comfortability include the options below:
- Add insulation: This can be done by blowing in loose-fill insulation, such as cellulose or fiberglass, or by installing rigid foam insulation.
- Caulk and weather-stripping: You can use caulk and weather-stripping to seal any gaps or cracks around windows and doors, preventing drafts and improving the home’s overall insulation.
- Installing window film: Window films are a great way to reduce heat loss through windows and improve the home’s overall insulation.
- Insulating the attic: Here in Texas, with our hot summers and cold winters, adding insulation to the attic floor is a great way to help to keep the home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
- Insulating the walls: This is a bit more tricky, but installing insulation in the walls, either from the inside or the outside, can be accomplished by professionals.
- Insulating the floors: This can be done by adding insulation under the floors, which can help to keep the home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Before you get started, we advise you to consult a professional to determine what he would recommend for improving the insulation in your home.
Obstructions blocking airflow from the HVAC vents
You’d be surprised how a blocked vent can keep a room from reaching the expected temperature. Many things can block the airflow, from furniture placed over a vent to leaky ductwork.
Here are some preliminary steps you can take to fix obstructions blocking the airflow from your HVAC vents:
- Check your vents: In all of your rooms, you want to make sure that all of the vents in the rooms are open and not blocked by furniture or other objects.
- Clean your vents: Use a vacuum cleaner or a soft brush to remove any dust or debris that may be blocking the airflow. This will improve airflow and the health of those living in the home.
- Check the air filter: Make sure that the air filter in your HVAC system is clean and not clogged, as a dirty air filter can restrict airflow. Replace or clean the air filter if needed. (See our article on AC Repair & HVAC Maintenance Saves Money.).
- Check for duct leaks: Check for any leaks or holes in the ductwork, which can cause the airflow to be reduced. Seal the leaks with duct mastic or metal-backed tape. This job is best left to an HVAC professional with the tools to test duct volume, duct pressure, and air velocity.
- Check the fan: Make sure that the fan on your HVAC system is working properly, as a malfunctioning fan can also cause airflow problems. Again, this is best checked by an HVAC professional.
- Call a professional: If you are unsure of the cause of the airflow problem or are unable to fix it yourself, it’s best to consult a professional HVAC technician. They can diagnose the issue and provide a solution.
It’s important to promptly address airflow obstruction issues as they can affect the efficiency and longevity of your HVAC system and can lead to higher energy bills.
A malfunctioning thermostat
A malfunctioning thermostat that is not accurately measuring the room temperature is not as easy to detect as a dirty filter, but taking a few precautionary steps might help solve the problem of a room temperature different from the thermostat setting. Below are some simple steps you can take if you suspect that your thermostat is malfunctioning:
- Check the batteries: If your thermostat is battery-powered, make sure that the batteries are fresh and installed correctly. If you are unsure how to do that, check the user manual you received when you bought the house, or google search your model online and look for an online user manual or a YouTube video.
- Check the settings: Check to see that the thermostat is set to the correct temperature and mode (e.g., heat, cool, auto). The user manual and helpful YouTube videos can guide you through this.
- Check for any physical damage to the thermostat: Look for any signs of physical damage on the thermostat, such as cracks or moisture damage. Did one of the kid’s balls hit the wall and break a portion of the thermostat? If you find you have physical damage, Christmas Air can supply you with a new thermostat.
- Test the thermostat: Try adjusting the thermostat to a higher or lower temperature and see if the HVAC system responds.
- Call a professional: If the problem persists, or you are unsure of the cause, it’s best to contact a professional HVAC technician. They can diagnose the issue and provide the proper solution.
It is important to address thermostat malfunction as soon as possible, as it can prevent your HVAC system from working properly and may lead to higher energy bills.
A dirty air filter in the HVAC system
Maintaining your air filters is one of the easiest ways to maintain your HVAC system, reduce your energy costs, and extend the life of your HVAC. We recommend you change the filters consistently or become one of the Christmas Air members and let us manage your filter replacements.
Here are some steps you can take to see if you have a dirty HVAC filter:
- Locate the filter: The air filter is typically located in the return air duct or the blower compartment of your HVAC system.
- Remove the filter: Carefully remove the filter from its housing and hold it up to a light source.
- Check the filter’s appearance: A clean filter will appear light in color, and the fibers will be visible. A dirty filter will appear dark and have dust and debris buildup on the surface.
- Check the filter’s thickness: Hold the filter up to the light, if you can’t see light passing through the filter, it is too dirty and needs to be replaced.
- Check the filter’s age: Most filters have a recommended lifespan of 1-3 months, depending on usage and environment. If the filter has been in use for a while, it may need to be replaced even if it doesn’t appear dirty. It’s important to replace the filter regularly to ensure proper airflow and maintain your HVAC system’s efficiency.
If you are unsure how to check or replace your HVAC filter, it’s best to consult the manufacturer’s instructions or call us at Christmas Air. We’ll get your system running properly.
A malfunctioning HVAC system
A malfunctioning HVAC system is a more serious reason why you have room temperatures different from the thermostat reading. If your HVAC malfunctions, it will be unable to heat or cool the rooms in your home properly.
Below are some signs that your HVAC system may be malfunctioning:
- No airflow: If you notice that there is little to no airflow coming from the vents, your HVAC system may be malfunctioning.
- Strange noises: If you hear strange noises coming from your HVAC system, such as squealing, grinding, or banging, it may be a sign of a malfunction.
- Uneven heating or cooling: If certain rooms in your home are too hot or too cold while others are comfortable, your HVAC system may not be functioning properly.
- High energy bills: If you notice a sudden increase in your energy bills, your HVAC system may be working harder than usual to heat or cool your home, indicating a malfunction.
- Poor indoor air quality: If you notice a musty odor or an increase in dust, mold, or other allergens in your home, it may be a sign that your HVAC system is not properly filtering the air.
- Constant cycling: If your HVAC system is turning on and off frequently or running continuously, it could indicate a malfunction.
If you are experiencing any of these signs, contact a professional HVAC technician to diagnose the problem and provide a solution. Ignoring these issues could lead to more serious problems and higher energy costs.
Christmas Air is here to meet your HVAC needs
If you are experiencing various room temperatures different from the thermostat, give us a call to come out and check your system. There’s no reason to live uncomfortably in your home.
Contact Christmas Air to keep your HVAC system running efficiently and your utility bills as low as possible. You can schedule online at www.christmasair.com, call our office at (469) 919-9928, or text us at (972) 435-6131.
We look forward to working with you!