Your house is an integral part of your life. It’s where you sleep and relax and store your possessions. Many people share their homes with their families or pets, and it’s the backdrop of many cherished memories.
Homes are significant, and homeowners must keep their homes dry and maintain a comfortable temperature. Cold temperatures indoors can lead to structural problems and cause health problems for the occupants. Let’s look at some common reasons your home’s too cold.
1. There are issues with your HVAC system.
Your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system heats and cools your home. Mechanical issues with your HVAC system or thermostat affect your home’s indoor temperature. Did you notice your HVAC unit’s running when it should be off? Did your air conditioner stop running all of a sudden? These are signs there’s an issue with the HVAC system, and you should have a certified HVAC technician inspect your system to determine the source of the problem.
It’s possible your HVAC’s producing too much cold air because it doesn’t have enough refrigerant. Without enough refrigerant, your HVAC system’s evaporator coils can freeze, causing temperatures to plummet. Dirty filters also inhibit your HVAC unit’s ability to function correctly. Your AC unit may also run more than it should if your thermostat’s batteries are dying or it has a faulty sensor.
2. You need new windows.
Your home’s windows let you look outside. They’re alternate fire escapes, which is why all legal bedrooms must have accessible windows. Windows are also design features that change the look and feel of your home.
Windows impact your home’s temperature. Old windows or single-pane windows often let air enter or leave your home, causing drafts. Invest in window repair if you have cracked windows or contact experts about window replacement in Grand Rapids. Window replacement experts can explain your options and install new windows that reduce drafts, enabling you to maintain your home’s temperature throughout the year.
3. You don’t have enough insulation.
Insulation prevents drafts and helps you control the temperature throughout your entire home. Insulating your attic prevents heat loss in the winter months. Since hot air rises, it’s easy for heat to escape through your attic if you don’t have insulation to retain your home’s heat. Gaps in insulation can also cause your home’s temperature to drop. Installing insulation has the added benefit of helping your home retain cool air during the summer months, which can help reduce your energy bills.
4. There’s an issue with your ducts.
Many homes have HVAC systems with ductwork that connect to vents throughout the house. The HVAC unit pulls air in through the return vents. The air travels along the ducts until it reaches the HVAC unit. It passes through the unit’s filter, and then the system alters the air temperature. In the winter, your heater warms the air, and the air conditioner extracts heat from the air in the summer.
Air then travels along supply ducts to the supply vents, where it’s pushed out into the room. This air should be the temperature you’ve set on your thermostat, but if your HVAC ducts are blocked or damaged, the air may not reach your living space. Holes in ducts cause leaks, preventing the system from adjusting your home’s air temperature. HVAC technicians can clean your ducts and remove blockages or repair holes.
5. Your home needs new siding.
Your home’s siding protects your house from moisture, wind, and sunlight. Effective siding keeps your home dry and prevents the elements from altering your temperature indoors. However, when siding’s missing or damaged, you may have issues with moisture buildup inside your walls that affect your home’s temperature.
Multiple factors could cause your home’s temperature to be cooler than you’d like. Your home’s HVAC unit, windows, insulation, ductwork, and siding may be the reason your home’s too cold.
