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Why Your AC Isn’t Cooling Evenly (and How to Fix It)

young couple sitting on couch, cooling down with a fan

 

Why Your AC Isn’t Cooling Evenly (and How to Fix It) 

Have you ever wondered why some rooms in your home feel uncomfortably hot, while others remain perfectly cool? Here’s the simple answer: uneven air conditioning.  

 

Uneven air conditioning is a common issue homeowners face, especially during the summer. However, it’s more than just being uncomfortable – having uneven air conditioning can also increase your energy bill. 

 

But we have good news, Advance Heating and Cooling specializes in discovering and resolving problems just like these, ensuring every room in your house is cool. 

 

Join us as we look at the most common causes of uneven air conditioning and how our experts at Advance Heating and Cooling can help. 

 

Common Reasons for Uneven Cooling 

Uneven cooling in your home can have multiple contributing factors, each impacting your comfort and utility bill. Let’s identify these issues, discover the solutions, and determine when it’s time to consult an expert:  

 

Overexposure to Sunlight 

Large windows can be aesthetically appealing but can also come with problems. Windows that face the sun absorb more heat during the day. The sun can overpower your AC, causing certain rooms to be warmer than others.  

 

Using blinds or heavy curtains can minimize sunlight. If you want to enjoy the natural light, we can provide a more permanent solution by installing solar films or energy-efficient windows.  

 

Damaged or Aging Ductwork 

Old and poorly maintained ducts can cause leaks or blockages, restricting airflow to certain areas of your home. Inspecting ducts for damage or blockages can improve circulation issues.  

 

Duct tape can be used for minor leaks, however, for larger issues, an inspection and repair of your ducts from our technicians can ensure they are in top condition.  

 

Inadequate AC Size 

Depending on the size of your AC unit, it may not be able to circulate air effectively throughout your home. The result of a small AC unit causes uneven temperatures across multiple rooms.  

 

To determine whether your AC unit is the right size, use an AC BTU Calculator. For an accurate evaluation, consult with our team at Advance Heating and Cooling to see if you are due for an upgrade.  

 

Poorly Placed Thermostats 

If your thermostat is near heat-producing appliances or direct sunlight, it can often misread your home’s actual temperature, causing your AC to shut off at inappropriate times. A good way to mitigate this is to relocate heat-producing appliances away from your thermostat.  

 

Using curtains or blinds where light touches your thermostat can also be helpful, as direct sunlight can mess with the unit’s calibration. 

 

Insufficient Insulation 

Cool air can escape while hot air infiltrates your home due to poor insulation, leading to hotter temperatures where it shouldn’t be. Check your insulation along your windows and doors, along with your attic, if possible. Adding insulation can be a DIY air conditioning project. For complete coverage, our insulation services can accurately fix these issues.  

 

Obstructed Air Vents 

Furniture, curtains, and dust can prevent air vents from properly distributing air. Rearranging the layout of your furniture, replacing curtains with window-length blinds, and removing dust or crumbs can clear obstructions. For optimal airflow, we can adjust the entirety of your ventilation system.  

 

Dirty Air Filters 

Over time, filters can clog with dust, restricting airflow and reducing the efficiency of your air conditioning. Replace your air filters regularly, ideally every 1-3 months. How often you should change your air filters depends on how much air conditioning is used, the size of your house, and what your household conditions are.  

 

Old or Poorly Insulated Windows 

Like regular insulation in your walls, old windows can have cracks that let cool air out and hot air in. Caulk or weather stripping can temporarily relieve smaller cracks in your windows.  

 

Each of these uneven cooling issues can be frustrating when trying to enjoy your home this summer. While some problems are easily fixable on your own, the expertise of Advance Heating and Cooling can provide effective and long-lasting solutions to maintain an energy-efficient home.  

 

Advanced Air Conditioning Solutions and When to Call a Professional 

When minor DIY adjustments to your home only last temporarily, it may be time to look for a more efficient and permanent solution. These interventions often require the expertise of a professional, which is why Advance Heating and Cooling is your best bet to ensure your AC runs effectively throughout each room of your home. 

 

HVAC technician fixing ductwork

                    

Ductwork Repair and Replacement 

Like anything we use, objects in our homes can deteriorate over time. Ducts can be a significant cause of uneven cooling, energy loss, and reduced system efficiency with common problems such as leaks, holes, and poor connections in ductwork. Advance Heating and Cooling provides intricate ductwork inspections, offering repairs or replacements of damaged ducts. Implementing our services allows your AC to perform to the best of its ability, saving you money. 

 

AC Upgrades and Replacements 

An aging or undersized AC unit may struggle to evenly distribute cool air throughout your home. An inadequate system can lead to continual stress, resulting in frequent breakdowns and an increased energy bill. A task that can be hard to manage on your own can be passed into the hands of our professionals.  

 

We can inspect your current AC system and recommend an upgrade or replacement that will properly circulate throughout the dimensions of your home. Upgraded HVAC services provide better cooling, energy, consumption, and cleaner air quality.  

 

Installation of Better Insulation 

To maintain a consistent temperature throughout your home, proper insulation plays a significant part in keeping things cool. Air that seeps through cracks can also increase your energy bill due to your AC having to overcompensate. Advance Heating and Cooling can assess your current insulation and make installations where necessary.  

 

Zoning Systems 

Large floor plans and multi-level homes may need proper zoning systems to manage temperature changes in each area. Zoning systems allow you to individually control each part of your house to ensure comfort on each floor or room. Installing advanced zoning systems is not a task that can be done as a DIY project – unless you’re a pro! Contact the experts for specialized projects like this. 

 

These advanced solutions provided by Advance Heating and Cooling address the root causes of uneven temperatures, saving you from a costly energy bill and heat! 

 

Maintenance Advice for Cooling Your Home 

Having a comfortable home may not need professional intervention right away. Minor issues can be tackled with basic knowledge and regular checks. Here are some practical tips for air conditioning that will help these household issues run smoother, and when to call our professionals

 

Checking and Replacing Air Filters 

An easy yet significant task that can tackle your air conditioning issues is checking and replacing your air filters. As we mentioned earlier, dirty (or clogged) filters prevent airflow and can lead to uneven cooling.   

  1. Locate your air filter slots 

  2. Remove old filters and check for an accumulation of dirt and debris.  

  3. If the filters look grey, they may be clogged. This is when they need replacing.  

Adjusting Thermostat Settings 

The consistency of the temperature across all rooms of your house heavily relies on proper thermostat settings. Consistently adjusting your thermostat settings to accommodate the room it's in can help save energy and keep comfort levels balanced. 

 

Ensuring Vents are Unobstructed 

The positioning of your furniture, or long drapes can cover vents can prevent air from circulating, leading to hot and cold zones in your home. For unobstructed vents, adjust your furniture, and consider window-length blinds to keep your vents clear. Make sure both supply and return air vents are clear of any dust, allowing for consistent airflow in each room.  

 

While these DIY air conditioning tips can help with smaller issues, there’s no substitute when it comes to a permanent and solid solution. Regular servicing by Advance Heating and Cooling can fix problems that you are unable to solve yourself, while also preventing further issues down the line. Both of which can, ironically, save you time and money in the long-run. 

 

Addressing uneven cooling in your home and the actions required can prevent temperature spikes and a costly energy bill. If you've tried simpler fixes such as using curtains to block out sunlight or taping your ducts but still notice problems, it might be time to consult with professionals.  

 

Contact us at Advance Heating and Cooling for a proper inspection of your home and see what services we can provide to ensure maximum daily comfort.  

 

 

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Time to Replace Your AC Unit? Signs to Watch for This Summer

Woman sitting on couch with a fan, looking tired and overheated.

 

There's nothing quite like the summer heat—it's humid, powerful, and makes you feel good... most of the time. Its direct counterpart is the feeling of walking into a cool, air-conditioned home—but what do you do if your AC unit fails you? Let's explore that.

 

It's easy to rely on your AC unit, but even great units can hit snags and fail out. It's important to recognize the signs that your AC unit could be close to giving out, otherwise, you could be missing out on some much-needed comfort of a cool home. Not to mention, recognizing issues beforehand can save you on potentially costly AC Unit repairs.

 

In this blog, the experts at Advance Heating and Cooling will show you some key indicators that it's time to replace or repair your AC unit and explain the perks of investing in a new system.

 

Signs Indicating It's Time to Replace Your Air Conditioning Unit

Let's explore the unmistakable signals that suggest it's time to upgrade your air conditioning system.

 

Remember, not every situation is going to be reflective of one or even every one of these examples; if you notice something is up, have a professional come in and do an assessment to diagnose the problem. The quicker you know what's wrong, the quicker you can fix it. 

 

HVAC technician inspecting the AC unit.

 

Declining Cooling Performance

Do you notice it takes surprisingly long for your AC unit to cool your house to your desired temperature? Or that it struggles to maintain that temperature on a consistent basis?

 

Unfortunately, this struggle to keep your home cool and comfy can indicate underlying issues with your AC unit, ranging from complications such as ageing components, refrigerant leaks, or insufficient maintenance.

 

If you notice this is a reoccurring issue, it's time to talk to a specialist.    

 

Frequent Breakdowns

So... have you been constantly finding yourself constantly having to call technicians to fix your AC? Now, don’t get us wrong, occasional repairs are normal. However, frequent system failures and increasing repair costs can indicate your unit is nearing the end of its life.  AC units, like most products, have shelf life and will inevitably require repair or replacement, and, sometimes, putting a Band-Aid on a big issue won’t help you if the issue requires a full overhaul. This is a scenario where buying a new unit could save you time and money in the long run.

 

Do you need help determining whether your AC unit needs repairs or replacements? Don't leave it up to chance—trust the experts at Advance Heating and Cooling. Air conditioning can account for a significant amount of your utility bills per month. It's best to ensure that all your HVAC equipment is in tip-top shape so you can enjoy a comfortable home environment while saving money.  

 

Lucky for you, Advance Heating and Cooling install and service HVAC equipment for both residential and commercial use across the Waterloo Region and more! Don’t leave it to chance, you can trust the experts at Advance Heating and Cooling to get the job done. Contact us today.

 

Ever-rising Energy Bills

Have you noticed that despite not using more energy... that your bill is suspiciously increasing? This is a clear-cut sign when it comes to inefficient AC units.

 

While upgrading to a new unit seems daunting, you could end up saving yourself money in the long run by reducing your energy usage and optimizing with a newer, more efficient unit. Not only this, but you'll also be able to cut energy costs and reduce your carbon footprint in the process. Who doesn't like to do right by the environment? Future generations will thank you.  

 

Air conditioning units can significantly increase electricity consumption, increasing bills for several Canadians. Across the nation, the average annual electricity costs rose by 3.8% in 2022 compared to 2021, with the most notable spikes recorded in Saskatchewan (+12.3%), Alberta (+9.8%), and Prince Edward Island (+5.7%).

 

Do You Know How Old Your AC Unit Is?

It’s good to have an idea about how old your current unit is, as well as the last time it was most recently serviced.

 

Usually, the average unit has a lifespan of 10-15 years, depending on several factors; if you find that your unit is exceeding its life expectancy, you might be in for a full replacement.

 

Newer models come with improved performance and longevity due to modern technological advancements. Talk to a specialist to get the most bang for your buck.

 

Pay Attention to Unusual Noise and Odours

Have you ever been woken up to clanking, grinding, or unpleasantly odd odours? Perhaps fortunately and unfortunately, it’s not likely a ghost–it could be an indicator of internal damage or mold within your AC unit.

 

It’s important that if you catch a whiff of these issues, you need to address them quickly to make sure you’re maintaining good indoor air quality and avoiding additional damage.

 

You Notice Poor Air Quality

If your home feels stuffy despite running the AC, it could be due to poor indoor air quality caused by an old or malfunctioning unit. Upgrading to a new AC with advanced filtration systems can help alleviate this issue.

 

Your Home has Uneven Cooling

Consistently warmer or cooler rooms may point to problems with your AC's distribution system or ductwork. Upgrading to a unit with improved airflow and zoning capabilities can ensure consistent comfort throughout your home.

 

Your AC Is Too Large or Too Small for Your Space

The Government of Canada reports that "oversizing is clearly detrimental to comfort, cost of operation and equipment performance" when it comes to operating an AC unit. An oversized AC unit could lower your house and office temperatures too fast, without removing excess humidity the space to become cool and damp. This can cause the growth of mold, as well as stains on the ceiling, walls, and floors, along with musty smells. As well, an undersized unit won't be able to keep up with cooling needs during hot summer days.

 

Your AC Unit Produces Excessive Noise and Dust

The constant presence of dust around your space, even after a good cleaning, is a clear indicator that there's leaks going on in your ductwork. Those leaks compromise the efficiency of your AC unit and can increase operating costs. If you notice that your AC unit is excessively loud and noisy, there's also a good chance that your duct system isn't big enough for the square-footage of the space. There's also a high probability that you have an issue with the unit's indoor coil - meaning you're going to need professional help.

 

Other Considerations to Take to Heart

When considering an upgrade, it's not just about staying cool; it's about enjoying a range of benefits such as improved energy efficiency, enhanced comfort, reduced maintenance costs, and peace of mind. Make sure to choose a unit that's appropriately sized, energy-efficient, and equipped with the features you need for optimal performance. Professional AC installation and maintenance services are crucial for ensuring a seamless transition and maximizing the lifespan of your new AC unit.

 

Making the Right Choice with Advance Heating and Cooling

When it comes down to choosing the right AC unit replacement, you need to rely on the help of professionals. The pros at Advance Heating and Cooling have made it our mission to provide fast, efficient service with a budget in mind. The team has built a strong relationship with our clientele based on our ability to innovate and continue to invest in the latest technology to make sure our service is always top-notch.

 

Advance Heating and Cooling understands that it can be very overwhelming and confusing when it comes to choosing a new AC unit. Our team of HVAC professionals are experienced, highly professional and devoted to giving you the best quality product.

 

Working with Advance Heating and Cooling provides you with a team of professionals who provide the best level of service in the industry. We have the best technology available to address all your HVAC needs. So, before you commit to repairing and replacing your AC unit, make a call to our team at Advance Heating and Cooling today so we can discuss the best options for you.

 

 

 

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