Balancing the air in your home is important if you want to be comfortable in every room. 
Many people find that they have significant temperature differences in certain areas of their home, commonly referred to as hot or cold spots. These areas can be minimized with a few of these simple tricks!
Open and close your registers: Set the thermostat for a comfortable temperature and then evaluate which areas are too hot or cold. Partially close the vents in these areas until you can reach a state of equilibrium that is comfortable throughout the home.
Offset your thermostats: If your HVAC system has two different zones (one for downstairs and one for upstairs), try offsetting them by two degrees. Add two degrees to the temperature of your upstairs to help it balance with the temperature of your downstairs, or vice versa.
Change your air filters: This is essential to keep your HVAC system running smoothly all the time. It increases the efficiency of the unit, extends the lifespan of your system, and even shaves a few dollars off your utility bill. This is always a good practice.
Keep electronics away: The thermostat picks up on the temperature that is closest to it. In order to avoid confusing the unit, keep electronics that produce too much heat away from your thermostat.
Seal windows and doors: Add new weather stripping or caulk around the windows and doors to prevent drafts.
Do not block registers: Do your best to avoid putting furniture or other items over your registers. If this is not possible for the layout of your home, purchase a deflector that can redirect the air out from underneath your furniture.
Have your ductwork inspected: It is possible that there is a leak somewhere in your ductwork if you consistently have a hard time balancing the temperature. Have a professional come out to check for loose joints, lack of insulation, or too many sharp turns.
Create different zones: Instead of trying to control your entire home on one thermostat, split it up into multiple zones, each with its own thermostat. This can help you warm up those chilly parts of your home and cool down areas that are normally sweltering.
Purchase better drapes: If your house is too hot in the summer, make sure to block the amount of sunlight coming in with heavy blackout curtains. In the winter, you may want to open the curtains and blinds to allow the sunlight to warm certain areas of your home.
Check for insulation issues: Insulation issues can be in your walls, your attic, or even around your ductwork. If you believe that you may not have sufficient insulation, you should consult a professional to take a closer look.
Purchase the correct size of HVAC system: An HVAC system is not a one-size-fits-all solution. You need something that is the perfect size for your unique home based on the square footage, number of occupants, number of stories, and more. Consult a professional to determine if your HVAC system is appropriately sized.
Use two air handlers: Adding extra fans may help to keep your air balanced. Consider placing one air handler in the basement to push warm air upward and another on the ceiling or in the attic to blow cool air downward.
Add an extra return duct: The airflow might be too slow to return in your current ducts. Adding a second return duct can lower the pressure and help balance out the air in your home.
Adjust the blower fan speed: If you are a relatively handy homeowner and can follow the instructions in your owner’s manual, you may be able to change the system’s blower fan speed on your own. Otherwise, you should consult a professional to change it and balance the air in your home.
Turn the thermostat fan setting on: Turning the fan on means that your unit will constantly blow and keep the air supply in your home steady. This may help balance the air in your home, but it will also increase your utility bill.
Many of these tips are things you can do on your own. If you continue to have issues with hot and cold spots, you should reach out to our team of experienced Winnipeg heating and cooling contractors at Provincial Heating and Cooling. We are just a phone call away and will help you to keep your home more comfortable!