Ever wonder why one room in your home is so hot? Fear not, you are not the only homeowner to experience this uncomfortable situation where one room is notoriously always warmer than the rest. There are a few potential culprits for this issue. But don’t worry, we have the solution! We are here to help identify the source of the problem and ensure that you are left with a long-term, functioning solution by the time we are done. These are the most common reasons that we are asked: “Why is my room so hot?” The most common reason is due to a lack of insulation. Attic and wall spaces require insulation to buffer the walls and prevent the outside air from coming indoors. Blown-in insulation costs vary depending on the type you decide to install in your home, however, you will see an immediate reduction in your energy bills once doing so. So fear not, we’re here to help! Give us a call today to get your home protected and insulated.
What are the Causes of a Room Being So Hot? Let’s Take a Look!
1. Insufficient Insulation
This is the most common answer to the question ‘Why is my room so hot?’. Insufficient insulation in the attic and/or walls can be a surefire reason why a specific room is overheating in the summer and uncomfortably cold in the winter. Insulation serves as a barrier to the outside air, keeping the cold and humid temperatures outside and ensuring that your A/C and heaters do not have to work overtime to keep the room at a somewhat normal temperature. A lack of insulation not only would have you to experience these symptoms but also have quite a high energy bill.
So what is the solution? We would recommend having insulation installed in the walls and floors of your attic space. There are many different types of insulation to choose between and our specialists will be able to provide you with a custom solution for your specific area. Blown-in insulation costs vary depending on the size of the space, as well as the necessary thickness of insulation based on your geographical location. It might also be helpful to install a dehumidifier in the space. This will help ensure the relative humidity remains at a constant temperature, reducing the work of your A/C and heater, as the temperature will no longer be fluctuating wildly.
The type of insulation that you install in your home will depend on what you desire out of it. There are three main types of insulation we would recommend using. Fiberglass insulation, cellulose insulation, and rockwool insulation. Each type has its own specialties and related costs. Blown-in insulation costs will vary, however, insulation will last anywhere between 10-20 years. This will be a long-term investment that will begin to pay off immediately, as your home will become much more energy efficient, making the home more comfortable, while also lowering your energy bills.
2. Inefficient Air Ventilation
Another issue could be faulty air vents. The room that experiences extreme temperatures could have an air vent that is either blocked or damaged. The cold and warm air that your A/C and heater, respectively, are pumping in could be blocked entirely, having the room solely be cooled or heated by the air coming through the walls and windows. This isn’t ideal.
We’d recommend having a technician inspect your home's air conditioning and heating systems. They will be able to inspect the ductwork to see if any blockage or damage is visible. If this is the case they will either clear out the blockage or replace them altogether.
3. Faulty Ductwork
Another culprit could be the air ducts in your home. The ductwork in your ceilings is the freeway in which all of the heated and cooled air in your home is transported. Over time, dust and other debris can build up in the ducts, slowly affecting the airflow. The heated and cooled air, therefore, takes longer and must work harder to move into certain rooms.
We’d recommend having a technician come and inspect and clean your ductwork. They will be able to remove any dust or debris that is in your ductwork and ensure the airflow is back at peak efficiency. Doing this yourself is not a recommended pursuit, as it is very fragile and we would not want any accidental damage done to your ductwork.
4. Excess Sunlight
Do any of the rooms in your home have large windows, allowing a lot of sunlight in? This also may be a cause as to why your room is so hot. It is natural in rooms allowing in a lot of sunlight to have hot spots. In the winter, these rooms have drafts if the windows aren’t perfectly sealed. This can cause unnecessary additional work for your A/C and heaters.
The solution? It might be wise to invest in some sort of light protection, whether that be blinds or curtains. You can shut the blinds or curtains on a hot day and while it will not block 100% of the sunlight, it will still have a dramatic effect on the temperature of your room. It will help your A/C and heaters quite significantly, as well as your energy bill.
5. Improper Thermostat Location
Another potential cause for excessive heat or cold in a single room may be due to the location of your home’s thermostat. If a thermostat is installed in an improper location – too close to a heat source or in direct sunlight – it may be reading the wrong temperature and thus adjusting improperly. Factors such as sunlight exposure, heat from a kitchen stove or oven, and steam from a bathroom shower all could contribute to your thermostat improperly regulating the temperature.
6. Incorrectly Sized Air Conditioner
It is imperative that the air conditioner in your home – whether it be a split or a duct system – be of the proper size and capacity for the space. If the air conditioner is too small, you will most likely experience uncomfortable temperatures, as it will lack the ability to regulate the room’s temperature properly. If the air conditioner is too big, it will conduct cooling cycles that are too quick, thus failing to reduce the humidity in the space. The purchase of an air conditioner is actually a very important activity, as it has a significant impact on the effectiveness of your home. These are some important factors to consider when purchasing:
- Space of the room
- Floor plan of the space
- Insulation installation (if any) and type
- Ceiling space
- Number of residents
So let’s ask again. Why is my room so hot? There are so many potential contributing factors to this issue. However, the first that we would highly recommend you consider is your insulation. Attic insulation and wall insulation can make a significant difference in the temperature regulation of your home. The blown-in insulation cost will depend on the size of your space, the amount of insulation required, the type of insulation used, and the geographic requirements for your home’s zone. We would be more than happy to come to your home to assist in determining what would be the most cost-effective solution for you. Your home is the greatest investment you will make. Let us help you preserve it and ensure it functions at its fullest capacity.