Why You Have Uneven Cooling In Your Home
What is an HVAC System?
An HVAC system is a mechanical system that provides fresh air ventilation, removes the heat, and transfers heat. It mainly includes an air-handling unit, ducts to distribute the conditioned air to various rooms or zones within the building, filters to remove particles from the conditioned air before it enters its destination room/zone, heating, and cooling coils for controlling the temperature in each room or zone of the building.
Homes and HVAC Systems That React Differently to Different Temperatures.
When considering the purchase of a home, one must also think about the HVAC system. Air conditioning is crucial in the summer months, and heating is necessary during winter.
Homes are commonly controlled as: • Single-zone: one thermostat controls the entire home (typical central AC/furnace or heat pump). • Two-zone: a zone panel and motorized dampers split the home into two thermostats/zones. • Multi-zone: three or more zones—often with smart dampers or ductless mini-splits. Single-zone definitely can be central HVAC—it just means one control area, which is why temperature can vary by room.Common Problems with AC in the Heat of Summer
Because of the hot summer temperatures, people often neglect their AC units and do not get them serviced when they should. This leads to many problems with the AC. From making the home too cold at times to overworking and blowing out circuits to not working at all – there are several problems that can arise.
Air Conditioning System Neglect
There can be a lot of neglect happening in the air conditioning system that leads to a lot of problems. Simple negligence or lack of knowledge can cause the deterioration of the air conditioning system. There are several things that could be done to help prevent this from happening.
Some things that should be checked on a regular basis are:
- Check filters monthly; replace every 1–3 months (every 30–45 days with pets/dust). Use MERV 8–11 for a good balance of flow and filtration.
- Keep the blower in Auto. For circulation, use thermostat “Circulate” (e.g., 10–20 minutes/hr) or a blower off-delay of 60–120 seconds—not 15 minutes.
- If the system sits unused, run cooling for 10–15 minutes monthly to exercise components before peak season.
Leaking or Damaged Ductwork Causes Uneven Cooling
Leaking or damaged ductwork can cause uneven cooling and other problems.
Leaking or damaged ductwork should be repaired as soon as possible. This will prevent the unit from having to work harder to cool the house, which can lead to high energy bills and a shorter life for your cooling system.
How to Determine if You Have Leaking Ductwork
If the ductwork is damaged or leaking, there are a few signs. One, as we have discussed throughout this article, is uneven cooling. This may be noticeable by rooms being warmer than others, yet their exposure to the sun is similar.
You may notice the volume of air coming from the vents, with them open, is lower or, in some cases, non-existent. If it is non-existent, a damaged or restricted duct run may be the problem.
Leaky supply or return ducts can pull dusty attic air into the system, reduce delivered airflow, and raise bills. A musty smell at registers can also indicate microbial growth in wet coils/drains or poorly sealed boots. Attic moisture typically points to roof/ventilation issues; we inspect to confirm the source before repairs.
In extreme situations, you may also notice evidence of moisture on your ceiling. In any case, with a leaking or damaged duct run, you may need to contact an HVAC expert.
How Much Will It Cost to Replace Damaged Ductwork in My Home?
When it comes to home renovations, ducts are often overlooked. Located in the ceiling or crawlspace, these ducts are responsible for pulling air from the furnace or air conditioner to make sure you have a comfortable living space. Ductwork is made of metal, which can easily get damaged due to wear and tear.
What does duct replacement typically cost? For a single-story 1,500–2,000 sq ft home, complete replacement with sealed/insulated ducts often ranges $3,000–$7,500+ depending on home size, number of runs/registers, material (flex vs. metal), access (attic/crawl), required code upgrades, and Title 24 sealing/insulation. We provide a written scope and price after a quick attic survey.How to Fix Uneven Cooling in Your Home and Enjoy the Season’s Warmth
Even cooling and heating performs best when several simple maintenance actions throughout the year are done:
Change Filters This is one of the easiest yet most often neglected. We suggest changing once every other month. This, of course, depends on your area and lifestyle. Dry, dusty areas or homes with pets should consider once a month.
Keep AirFlow Free from Restrictions Open vents and keep return air vents clear. Careful not to hide the return vent behind a couch. This will restrict airflow and reduce cooling and heating efficiency.
If you can, look in your attic or crawlspace and listen for the sound of air escaping. This could be a damaged duct. And while youre there, take a whiff, and if it smells a bit musty, it could be a damaged duct.
If you have done these things and are still unable to get a good steady airflow that cools your home evenly, call Anthem Heating and Air today. We service the entire Coachella Valley and Riverside, California.
Even-Cooling Checklist:
- Clean filter (MERV 8–11); keep returns & supplies unblocked
- Confirm blower speed & off-delay (60–120s)
- Balance dampers/registers; add boosters only if needed
- Seal/insulate ducts; fix kinks, crushed or disconnected runs
- Consider zoning or smart dampers for multi-story/large homes
- Tune charge/airflow to manufacturer specs during maintenance
If you live around the Coachella Valley area – Indio, Indian Wells, Palm Desert, or La Quinta – a reputable heating and air conditioning repair and provider company is nearby. Let Anthem Heating & Air help you with all your air conditioning and heating questions and needs! Visit us at www.anthemcv.com/ or call now at (760) 895-2621.
