6 Tips to Fix Uneven Cooling

If your Arizona home suffers from uneven cooling, you may feel too hot in one room and too cold in another. Everything from a dirty air filter and blocked air vents to leaky ductwork and poor insulation could be to blame. Fortunately, you have several options for combating this home cooling problem. Here’s what we recommend!

Replace the Air Filter

A dirty air filter restricts airflow, leading to uneven cooling. If it’s been more than a month since you checked the filter, do so now. Replace it when it starts to look dirty or every three months, whichever comes first.

Control Airflow by Adjusting the Registers

Blocked or dirty air vents can contribute to uneven cooling by restricting airflow throughout the house. Make sure no vents are obstructed by furniture, rugs, or curtains, and vacuum any grilles that are caked with dirt. For rooms that often feel too cool, consider closing the registers partway to limit how much cold air blows into the space. Just remember to keep at least 80% of your home’s registers open at all times to maintain proper system balance.

Switch the Fan Setting from “Auto” to “On”

The default fan mode is “auto,” which means the blower only runs when the AC is on. While this conserves energy, it can lead to stagnant air in certain rooms. To boost circulation, try changing the setting to “on.” This keeps the blower running constantly to even out the temperature from room to room.

Seal Ductwork Leaks

The average home loses 20 to 30 percent of its conditioned air to ductwork leaks. This not only wastes energy but also leads to uneven home cooling. To remedy this problem, have an HVAC technician inspect and seal your ductwork. This keeps conditioned air where it belongs, lowering your energy bills and making your home more comfortable in the process.

Boost Home Insulation

Cooled air isn’t just lost to leaky ductwork—it also seeps through the walls and ceiling of your home. By increasing insulation in the attic and around the ductwork itself, you can make your home function like a well-insulated cooler. For the best results, work with a professional who can recommend the right type and amount of insulation for your needs.

Install a Zoning System

While zoning is the priciest solution on this list, it’s the most effective way to fix uneven cooling. The system uses multiple thermostats and dampers in the ductwork to direct airflow exactly where you want it. This results in optimal comfort from room to room and lower cooling bills during the scorching Arizona summer.

Whether you’re able to troubleshoot uneven temperatures yourself or you need more help optimizing home cooling, turn to Meadow Air for help. We are an experienced HVAC company serving Buckeye, Maricopa County, and the entire West Valley area. Our AC repair and maintenance services will keep your Arizona home comfortably cool all summer long. Call us at (602) 812-0648 or contact us online to schedule AC service today!