Why Is One Room In My House Always Cold?
Do you have that one room in your house that never seems to stay warm? In lots of cases, it’s a bedroom or a finished basement that doesn’t ever get as warm as it should, and tends to be a chilly place in the winter.
In our area of PA, homes are very unique from one another, and each one presents its own set of challenges when it comes to heating and cooling. We’ve been working in this area since 1953, providing heating and air conditioning solutions for homes and businesses all over Delco and Montgomery County. We know the ins and outs of heating and cooling these spaces, and have come across many homes where there was a particular room that just never seemed to stay comfortable.
In this article, we’re going to talk about some of the reasons you may have a cold room in your home, and what you can do to solve the problem. If you are looking for help with your home’s heating or cooling, give us a call at (610) 446-7877, or contact us online. Our experts are happy to help you solve any sort of heating and air conditioning problems you may have!
Why Won’t Every Room Stay Warm?
There are a few reasons why a particular room in your house may not stay warm. Not every answer is as simple as “your heating system isn’t working right”. Here are some of the most common reasons you may have a room that doesn’t get warm enough.
Poor Insulation
One of the most common reasons a room feels cold is poor insulation. This is especially common in:
- Finished basements
- Rooms above garages
- Older additions
- Bedrooms with multiple exterior walls
If insulation is lacking in the walls, attic, or crawl space, heat escapes quickly. Even if your heating system is running properly, that room may never feel as warm as the rest of the house because it’s constantly losing heat to the outside.
In Delaware and Montgomery County, many homes were built decades ago and may not meet modern insulation standards. Adding insulation or sealing air leaks around windows and doors can make a dramatic difference in comfort. We recommend having a professional take a look at your insulation. They’ll be able to tell you if that’s the problem, and then add the insulation needed to keep the space comfortable.
Broken Heating System
Sometimes, the issue really is the heating system. The question then becomes which aspect of the heating system is failing.
The first thing you should do is look for the sign that your heating system is the problem. Here are some of the indicators that there is a problem with your furnace or heat pump:
- Weak airflow from certain vents
- Unusual noises
- Short cycling (turning on and off frequently)
- Inconsistent temperatures throughout the house
Now that you know what to look for, here are some of the reasons that your heating system may be failing:
- Clogged air filter
- Broken blower motor
- Broken sensors
- Faulty thermostat
- Cracked heat exchanger
Even something as simple as a clogged air filter can reduce airflow and make rooms at the end of the duct run feel colder than the rest. The best way to prevent problems with your heating system is to schedule regular maintenance.
Routine maintenance gets ahead of any problems you may have, lengthens the life of your heating system, improves indoor air quality, and increases your system’s energy efficiency. It’s our number one recommendation for any homeowner who wants to make sure their HVAC system is well cared for.
Faulty Ductwork
Your ductwork is responsible for delivering warm air from your heating system to each room in your home. If the ductwork has leaks, blockages, or poor design, certain rooms may not receive enough warm air.
Common duct-related issues include:
- Leaky joints that allow heated air to escape into the attic or basement
- Disconnected ducts
- Crushed or kinked flexible duct lines
- Dampers that are closed or improperly adjusted
We’ve seen plenty of homes in the Havertown area that have had a system installed, but the ductwork wasn’t properly installed with it. This can cause one side of the house to get plenty of heat, while another room barely gets any. Or the air simply isn’t distributed properly.
Over years of use and wear and tear, ductwork can get knocked around or spring leaks. We’ve seen some basements where people are storing boxes that pushed against ductwork and eventually knocked it out of place. If you suspect your ducts are doing their job, have a professional take a look during a routine inspection.
Improperly Sized/Designed System
Not all heating systems are designed correctly for the home they’re in. If a system is too small, it may not be able to keep up during colder Pennsylvania winters. If it’s too large, it may heat the home quickly, but shut off before evenly distributing warm air to every room. This is what causes a room or two to stay cool even if the rest of the home is warm.
A properly sized and designed system takes into account:
- Square footage
- Insulation levels
- Window placement and quality
- Layout of the home
- Duct design
If the system is improperly installed or designed, there are adjustments that can be made to accommodate your home, or you may simply need to replace the system.
What Can You Do About a Cold Room?
If you have one room that’s always cold, there are solutions available. Depending on the cause, the fix could be as simple as sealing air leaks or as involved as redesigning ductwork or upgrading your heating system. Here are some of the most common fixes for a cold room:
Replace The Air Filter
Replacing the air filter could help airflow. If it’s clogged and stuffed with dirt and debris, it could cause airflow to back up, and lead to cold spots around the house.
Add Insulation
Adding insulation will help you keep a warm, cozy interior maintained, while also reducing the amount of energy needed to keep the space comfortable.
Adding A Ductless Mini Split
Adding a ductless mini split to a room that never stays comfortable has become a very popular option. These systems can provide both heating and cooling, making it a year-round comfort solution. Mini splits require no ductwork, making them a perfect supplement to a current system that needs a little help. They are also energy efficient and whisper quiet, making them perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, offices, and more.
What To Do If You Have A Cold Room?
If you have a cold room in your house, call a professional to take a look at the system. They should be able to tell you the reason the room isn’t staying comfortable, and get you set up with the solution to make the space warm again.
If you live in Delaware or Montgomery County and are dealing with a cold room, give us a call at (610) 446-7877. Our team has been helping local homeowners stay comfortable since 1953, and we’d be happy to help you figure out what’s going on in your home and fix it the right way.
