During the scorching Las Vegas summer, it’s imperative that you have consistent, reliable air conditioning in your home. Unfortunately, it’s rather common for cooling problems to arise unexpectedly. In some cases, these issues can be confusing, occurring out of nowhere and for no apparent reason. One of the most common examples of this is uneven cooling, which is a problem sometimes referred to as “hot and cold spots.”
For example, when you have your AC running, the living room may be at the perfect temperature. However, when you get up and walk into your bedroom, you may discover that it’s far too warm, even though your entire dwelling should be the same temperature.
There are quite a few potential causes of uneven cooling, which can make it difficult to determine why it’s happening in your home. Here, we’ll take a look at some of the most likely reasons for this issue as well as troubleshooting steps you can take to restore the comfort of your dwelling.
1. Check and Clean Your Air Vents
Clogged or obstructed air vents are a very common cause of uneven home cooling. Your home’s air vents play an essential role in the cooling process, as all of the air circulated by your AC unit must pass through them to reach each area of your living space. So, if one or more of those vents are obstructed, cool air won’t be able to consistently reach that area of the house.
There are a couple of ways in which your air vents may become blocked. In some cases, a piece of furniture or pile of clutter may be inadvertently placed in front of a vent, completely blocking its airflow. Alternatively, an air vent may become clogged with dust, dirt, and small debris over a prolonged period. Fortunately, you can easily clean out your home’s air vents by simply removing the cover panel with a screwdriver and using a vacuum cleaner’s extension hose to remove whatever’s inside. Once you’ve made sure that all of your air vents are clear, you may find that your uneven cooling issue is fixed.
2. Have Your Air Ducts Professionally Cleaned
Another possible cause of your uneven cooling is that your home’s air ducts are either overly dirty or leaking. Over time, various contaminants tend to build up inside your ductwork, including dust, dirt, pest droppings, mold spores, and random debris. When enough of these particles accumulate, they not only worsen your air quality and cause unpleasant odors, but they can also block the flow of your air conditioner.
Then, when you have the AC running during the summer, the conditioned air will only be able to reach certain areas of your home, leading to hot and cold spots. Alternatively, if your air ducts are harboring one or more leaks, cool air will be able to consistently escape when your air conditioner is operating. This will put unnecessary strain on the appliance and cause uneven temperatures around the house.
Ideally, you should have your home’s ductwork professionally cleaned and inspected at least once every two or three years. If you’re overdue for this service, it could potentially be a solution for your uneven cooling. During the appointment, your hired contractors will be able to remove the contaminants from your air ducts and check for any leaks or damage.
3. Replace Your AC Air Filter
Sometimes, fixing an uneven cooling issue can be as simple as switching out a dirty air filter for a new, clean one. Your air conditioner’s air filter has an important part to play in the cooling process, as it catches the various contaminants in the air before they can get pulled into the equipment and circulated throughout the house. If you have the AC running frequently, though, the appliance’s air filter will inevitably become dirty, and if you don’t replace it soon enough, it may even become clogged.
When an AC air filter is fully or partially clogged, it becomes difficult for the system to consistently pull air through it. This can negatively impact the cooling unit’s ability to distribute conditioned air evenly, leading to hot and cold spots. If you’re dealing with uneven temperatures in your home, it’s always a good idea to switch out the AC air filter for a new one. You’ll then want to repeat this step at least once every two or three months going forward to keep the air conditioner running smoothly and efficiently at all times.
4. Check for Air Leaks Around the House
If you’re having trouble determining the source of your home’s uneven cooling, it’s possible that you have one or more air leaks around your dwelling. These leaks can be so tiny that you don’t even notice them, but that doesn’t stop them from having an impact on your home’s comfort. These leaks, which most commonly form around the edges of windows and doorways, can allow air to seep in and out of your home. This can cause the temperatures around the house to vary far more than they should, leading to significant hot and cold spots.
The good news is that air leaks around your home can often be a simple problem to fix. To locate them, you’ll want to check all of the doors and windows throughout the house. You may not be able to see the openings, but you can usually locate them by slowly feeling around the edges of each doorway and window with your hand. If you feel air moving, you’ve likely discovered a leak.
Then, all you need to do is seal the gap with caulking and weatherstripping from your local hardware store. Once you’ve sealed all of the air leaks in your home, you should notice that it’s much easier for your HVAC system to maintain consistent temperatures.
5. Invest in Professional AC Maintenance
If you’re dealing with uneven cooling around your house, the problem could lie with the general performance of your air conditioner. If you haven’t had your AC unit professionally serviced in more than a year, there’s a good chance that it will start struggling to do its job effectively. As wear and tear continue to accumulate on the equipment, the appliance will have to work much harder to evenly circulate cool air. As a result, the unit’s airflow may have trouble reaching every room in your living space, which can directly lead to uneven temperatures.
At Polar Air & Heating, Inc., we offer thorough air conditioning maintenance performed by experienced HVAC technicians. During this service, they’ll thoroughly inspect your cooling system and search for any issues that may be hampering its performance. They’ll make any necessary adjustments to the system to ensure that it’s running smoothly and at maximum energy efficiency. In addition to improving the health and life expectancy of the air conditioner, this service will help it provide you and your family with consistent comfort and even temperatures.
Your Trusted Local AC Professionals
At Polar Air & Heating, Inc., we’ve been a trusted provider of quality cooling services in the greater Las Vegas area since 1998. If you’re looking to have your air conditioner tuned up, repaired, or replaced, our experienced technicians will happily handle the job. We also offer a variety of other expert services, including heating, indoor air quality, light commercial refrigeration, and new construction services. If you’d like to learn more or schedule an appointment with our team, simply contact us at Polar Air & Heating, Inc. today!
