Hot, Cold, or Drafty Rooms

Hot or Cold Rooms

Diagnosis:

Temperature differences of up to three degrees from room to room are not uncommon, but often one or several rooms are uncomfortably warm or cold. This condition could be caused by several factors within your home including inadequate insulation, air leakage, poor duct system design, duct leakage, unwanted heating by the sun in warmer months, or a failure in part of your heating and cooling system.

Common problem rooms include:

• Attic
• Room over a garage
• Basement
• Additions

Prescription Checklist:

For best results hire a contractor who is an energy specialist to do an in-home evaluation. A good specialist will use diagnostic equipment to evaluate the performance of your home and generate a customized list of improvements.

• Ask your contractor to check if your heating and cooling system is operating correctly.
• Ask your contractor to check your ducts for air leakage and proper distribution of air.
• Seal air leaks and add insulation (Home Sealing).
• If the sun is making rooms to hot, consider shades or solar screening.
• After trying these items, consider ENERGY STAR labeled ceiling fans to make room air circulation more uniform. You will need to hire an electrician to install it.

Drafty Rooms

Diagnosis:

Cold air leaking into your house around windows, doors, electrical outlets, light fixtures, and gaps in corners, can cause rooms to feel drafty and uncomfortable. As cold air is coming in through leaks, warm air is escaping through other leaks. The biggest leaks for escaping air are often found in the attic, and recessed lights are a common location.

Prescription Checklist:

• Air sealing (Home Sealing) can help stop drafts and improve the comfort of your home. The most important leaks are often in the attic. You can do some things yourself, but for the best solution you need to hire a contractor.
• Ask your heating and cooling contractor to check ducts for air leaks and balanced airflow.
• If you have a fireplace, close the damper when not in use.