When there are hot spots occurring in your Northglenn, CO, home, it could be a red flag. It is often a signal that the heating, cooling, and ventilation system in your home is no longer operating at a high level. At Unique Heating & Air Conditioning Inc., we have experience in diagnosing these kinds of issues. A thorough inspection is required because a number of factors could be leading to hot spots, such as the size of the home, high ceilings, or lack of installation. Here is a quick guide to fixing hot spots in your home.
Find the Source
To alleviate the hot spots, you have to find their source. It could be a number of things causing them, including:
- Poor ventilation
- Poor insulation
- High ceilings
- Leaks
Since you live in your home, you can probably guess the cause. An HVAC system that has not received regular maintenance over the years is usually the source of hot spots. Whether it is a buildup of dust that obstructs the air’s flow or wear and tear on parts of the unit, inspecting the system is a good place to start.
You also have to assess your house because leaks are another culprit. As soon as the edges of a window begin to warp, air can escape from the inside out. The outdoor air can also get inside. If there is enough air escaping, that could be causing hot spots. A lack of insulation can make those types of leaks worse. There are also leaks that occur in the ductwork. Professionals in the HVAC industry estimate that up to 25% of air produced by an HVAC system does not make it to its destinations. So, if there are also leaks, you lose more output. A lack of air can very well be responsible for the hot spots.
If you own a large home that has several rooms, two floors, or high ceilings, those characteristics could be causing the hot spots, too. Hot air rises to the top, which is why the ground floor tends to be coolest in both the winter and summer months.
Is It an Easy Fix?
There are some things you can do to alleviate the hot spots in your home. They are:
- Close the curtains or drapes
- Install more insulation
- Change the layout
If there is too much sun coming into your home, that is going to have an impact on the interior. It could also create hot spots. By simply closing your curtains or drapes when the sun is at its highest, you are preventing a good portion of the heat from entering your house. That is a good start. Next, take a look at the layout of your home and furnishings. You also have to evaluate the type of HVAC system installed. If it includes ductwork and vents, there can be no obstructions in the airflow’s path; that will divert the air, which can cause hot spots.
Installing insulation also helps alleviate hot spots. Outside air can easily enter your home from a basement or attic. Then, if there are any crevices, those are another route.
When a Professional Is Required
There are things to prevent hot spots in a home that you cannot complete as a DIY project. Those solutions are best left to the professionals. Leaks in the ductwork, for example, require professional equipment because they are not easy to reach. The last thing you want is to make the situation worse.
Hot spots occur when there is poor ventilation. In those areas that experience hot spots, it simply means that the cooled air being produced by the HVAC system is not getting there. Those areas could be out of reach, so a professional will suggest complementary devices to extend ventilation as well as circulation. The age of your current HVAC system may play a role, too. If it is at least 15 years old, it means that it does have the current features that technology has delivered in the last five years.
To alleviate hot spots, you may need a new heating, cooling, and ventilation system installed. This will afford you increased comfort inside your home as well as the elimination of those out-of-reach areas.
To fix the hot spots occurring in your home, give us a call at Unique Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. in Northglenn, CO, and make an appointment today. We offer maintenance plans as well as a full range of additional heating and cooling services.
