Uneven cooling is a common problem with residential AC systems. Assuming your AC system is the right size for your home – and it was installed correctly – it should cool all of the rooms in your home. If you discover that some rooms are noticeably warmer than others, it typically indicates a problem.
What causes uneven cooling exactly?
Blower Malfunction
If your AC system has a malfunctioning blower, it may fail to cool all of the rooms in your home at the same rate. The blower is a fan that’s used to blow air through your AC system’s ductwork.
If you have an AC system and furnace setup, you can usually find the blower connected to the furnace. If you have a heat pump setup, the blower will likely be installed in an Air Handling Unit (AHU).
Blowers can malfunction. Maybe your blower fails to turn on, or perhaps it turns on and off intermittently. Regardless, blower malfunction may result in uneven cooling.
Ductwork Obstruction
Ductwork obstruction can cause uneven cooling. After your AC system has cooled the air, the blower will force it into the ductwork. Any obstructions in the ductwork may prevent it from reaching some of the rooms in your home.
Heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) ductwork consists of many interconnected tubes or conduits. Over time, debris may build up inside one of these tubes or conduits. With debris present, airflow through the respective tube or conduit will be restricted. The conditioned air will essentially be redirected to other rooms upon reaching the obstruction.
Ductwork Leakage
In addition to ductwork obstruction, ductwork leakage can cause uneven cooling. Leaks can occur with ductwork. Most residential HVAC systems don’t feature rigid ductwork. Rather, they feature flexible ductwork. Flexible ductwork is ideal for homes because it can bend and flex, making it easy to install in attics and crawlspaces. But it’s not as strong as rigid ductwork.
If your ductwork is punctured, it will develop a leak that allows the conditioned air to escape. The conditioned air may flow through other parts of the ductwork, but it will leak out of the punctured area.
Zoning
HVAC zoning can cause uneven cooling. Zoning means that your home will be split up into multiple cooling sections. Each of these sections is a zone. You can cool a specific zone by adjusting the thermostat.
Zoning doesn’t indicate a problem with your AC system. On the contrary, many homeowners prefer zoning because it gives them greater control over their home’s indoor temperature.
If you are experiencing a problem with your air conditioning or heating call us at 512-336-1431 to schedule an appointment. We’ll be glad to come out and take a look at the issue.
1431-183 A/C & Heating proudly serves Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Leander, Liberty Hill, and North Austin.
