Why Indoor Temperatures Fluctuate Throughout The Home

August 23, 2023

If you have ever wondered why it’s virtually impossible to have every room of the home cooled to the exact temperature set on the thermostat, we’re about to explain why.

Central air conditioning systems are incapable of delivering the same amount of cool air to every room in the home because the HVAC fan simply isn’t strong enough to force air to the farthest parts of the home. This means that rooms closer to the system will always be cooler or warmer than the rest of the home, regardless of how efficiently the system functions.

Homes with multiple floors will also have fluctuations in temperature due to physics. Hot air rises, while cool air falls. This means that rooms on the upper floor will be hotter during the summer and warmer during the winter than rooms on the bottom floor.

Another reason why homeowners may struggle with controlling indoor air temperatures is if the home is equipped with an improperly-sized HVAC unit. A system that is too big for the home may shut off before the home has been fully cooled or heated to the temperature set on the thermostat. Likewise, if the unit is too small it will be incapable of meeting indoor temperature requirements.

Poor insulation could also cause severe temperature fluctuations in the home. Air leaks around windows and doors, and in the attic could bring warm air into the home, working against the AC.

Closed vents will inhibit airflow, as will furniture blocking the vents. Homeowners should do a walk through their home to ensure all vents are open and air is able to freely pass through. If the airflow is weak, there may be leaks in the ductwork. We encourage homeowners to reach out to Hamilton Plumbing Heating A/C Rooter to schedule an HVAC inspection to check for system issues that may be causing fluctuations in indoor temperature.

Click here to see a few easy ways to lower your air conditioning bills this summer.