The Right Way to Cover Your Outside Air Conditioning Unit This Winter
October 23, 2025
Why Do I Have Warm and Cold Spots in My Home?
If you’ve ever walked from one room to another and noticed an immediate temperature change, you’re not alone. Hot and cold spots in your home are one of the most common issues homeowners face—especially during cold weather or peak air conditioning season. These temperature swings often point to problems with airflow, insulation, or your HVAC system’s ability to evenly distribute conditioned air throughout your home.
As your local, family-owned HVAC company, Elite Comfort Systems is here to explain what causes these issues and how to fix them.
1. Poor Airflow Inside the Home
When your HVAC system can’t move enough warm air or cold air, certain rooms will naturally feel different from others. Here are a few common causes of airflow problems:
- Blocked vents or furniture covering supply vents
- Closing vents in unused rooms
- Dirty or clogged air filter
- Loose connections or duct leaks
- Improper duct sizing that prevents proper airflow
Improving airflow is often one of the quickest ways to eliminate hot or cold spots.
2. Inadequate or Poor Insulation
Heat loss through walls, attics, and crawl spaces makes it difficult to maintain temperature. Older homes often struggle to stay comfortable. Here are a few signs that your insulation may be the issue:
- Drafts around doors or windows
- A room that is always a cold room in winter or overheats in the summer
- Floors or walls that feel noticeably cold
Upgrading insulation can dramatically improve comfort and reduce energy bills.
3. Air Leaks in the Home’s Building Envelope
Gaps in the building envelope allow conditioned air to escape and outdoor air to enter. Even small leaks can disrupt air circulation and create temperature imbalances. Common leak points include:
- Window frames
- Exterior doors
- Attic openings
- Recessed lighting
- Wall penetrations
Sealing these gaps helps regulate indoor temperatures and improve efficiency.
4. HVAC System Not Sized or Installed Correctly
If your HVAC system doesn’t have enough capacity to heat or cool the space, or if it wasn’t installed with the proper load calculation, it will struggle to maintain balanced temperatures. This can result in:
- One room receives more air than another
- High energy consumption
- Persistent hot or cold spots
Even oversized systems can create issues like short cycling and uneven temperatures.
5. Ductwork Issues
Your duct system distributes conditioned air throughout the house. Any problem within the ductwork can lead directly to hot or cold spots. Common duct issues include:
- Air leaks
- Pinched or crushed ducts
- Poor duct layout
- Insufficient return air pathways
A professional inspection can determine whether the ducts need repair, sealing, or redesign.
6. Heat Sources or Environmental Factors
Some rooms naturally heat or cool differently because of:
- Large sun-exposed windows
- Electronics or appliances producing extra heat
- High ceilings
- Basement vs. upper-floor temperature differences
Even simple adjustments like using a ceiling fan can help redirect airflow and improve comfort.
7. Using the Wrong Equipment for the Space
If one room consistently struggles to reach the rest of the home's temperature, a traditional HVAC system may not offer the targeted approach needed. A mini split system can condition a single room efficiently without straining your main system.
Portable heaters or window units are often inefficient, increase energy costs, and don’t address the underlying issues.
How to Eliminate Hot and Cold Spots
Steps we recommend at Elite Comfort Systems:
- Replace your air filter
- Keep all vents open and unobstructed
- Seal air leaks and improve insulation
- Have ductwork inspected for leaks or poor design
- Consider a zoning system for room-by-room control
- Install a mini-split for persistent problem rooms
- Schedule a professional evaluation
Sometimes the fix is simple. Other times, a combination of airflow and insulation improvements will bring the best results.
When to Call Elite Comfort Systems
If you’re still experiencing temperature imbalances, our experts can help. We provide:
- Honest, transparent pricing
- Accurate diagnostics to identify the underlying issues
- Tailored solutions for your home’s layout and comfort needs
As a family-owned HVAC company serving Eastern Idaho, we’re committed to keeping your home energy efficient and comfortable year-round.
Final Thoughts: Which Heating System Is Right for You?
Both gas and electric heating have their strengths and weaknesses. If you prioritize low fuel costs and rapid heating, a gas furnace may be the best option for Eastern Idaho’s cold winters. However, if safety, environmental impact, or flexibility are more important to you, electric heating—especially high-efficiency heat pumps—might be a better fit.
Still unsure? Contact Elite Comfort Systems today for expert guidance on the best heating system for your home!
