Correcting Temperature Variations Throughout Your Home

Most homes have them – the room you know as the “cold room” or “hot spot.” It doesn’t matter what you set your thermostat to, these rooms don’t budge on comfort and always feel cooler than your other living areas in the winter. In the summer, this spot is noticeably warmer than the rest of your home.

Constantly adjusting your thermostat settings in attempt to make every room comfortable is an obstacle, but don’t worry – temperature variations, notably in older homes with poor insulation and thin walls, are quite common.

Why Do Temperature Variations Occur?

Temperature variations in the home are caused by various factors. A room’s location has a lot to do with it. If the room in question is located farthest away from your heating and cooling system, not as much airflow may reach it as compared to closer areas.

In the winter, you may be unknowingly letting cold air into the room, contributing to the temperature variation you feel. Windows and doors with cold outdoor air blowing in need gaps caulked and worn-out weather-stripping replaced. Upgrading to energy-efficient windows will help keep temperatures balanced throughout your home.

A room’s size has a big impact on maintaining comfortable temperatures. It’s more difficult to keep temperatures balanced in a larger space. Rooms that have all-day sunlight exposure likely feel warmer than rooms that are dark. Opening the shades and blinds in rooms during the winter allows the sun’s warmth to seep in. Over the summer, utilize sunscreens or keep blinds closed to maintain a room’s temperature.