The filters in HVAC systems are there to keep airborne contaminants from entering your home. Ignoring filters for too long can lead to a buildup of dirt and debris, preventing warm air from reaching parts of your home. As a result, your house will feel colder, even when your HVAC system is working as it should.
Several factors can cause some houses to feel colder than others in the same area, including: insulation quality, air leaks, window efficiency, HVAC system size and functionality, ductwork condition, sun exposure, house orientation, and the age of the home.
Houses that aren't well insulated leak heat when it is cold outside. Another possibility is, that your HVAC system isn't well balanced. Another possibility is, that your thermostat isn't located in the best place.
Usually there are two reasons for this. The first is your humidity level needs to be adjusted to compensated for the difference in the RH or relative humidity of the surrounding air. The second is actually quite simple. Your thermostat is located in a different part of your house or apartment.
Check the exterior caulking around doors and windows, and see whether exterior storm doors and primary doors seal tightly. Inspect windows and doors for air leaks. See if you can rattle them, since movement means possible air leaks. If you can see daylight around a door or window frame, then the door or window leaks.
One of the most common causes of a cold home despite a correctly set thermostat is poor insulation. Insulation plays a crucial role in maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home, as it helps to keep warm air inside during the winter and cool air inside during the summer.
There may be drafts and pockets of colder air near the floor; The walls are colder and don't emit the usual amount of infrared radiation, so you lose heat due to your body emitting more IR than it receives; You may spend more time indoors and hence have less physical activity, so your body generates less heat.
One possible reason your AC is not reaching the set temperature is that the thermostat could be dirty. If dirt, dust, or other debris has accumulated within the thermostat box, it can cause the wires to heat up or other issues. Thermostats are cleaned during routine HVAC maintenance to help prevent this from happening.
Poor insulation is one of the biggest offenders when it comes to cold homes. Good insulation should trap warmth inside during the winter but if your materials are old, ineffective or poorly installed, you could be losing heat faster than you're making it.
Recommended Temperature When the Home is Vacant
For short periods of time away, like going to work, we'd recommend a temperature of around 55 – 60 degrees (F). While away on long periods of time, such as vacation, we don't recommend setting the temperature any lower than 50 degrees (F).
If you're cold even though your thermostat indicates you shouldn't be, your furnace likely isn't the problem. In most cases, it's working just fine. It's your home that needs attention. Lack of insulation, severe air leakage, and/or unbalanced ductwork are frequently to blame.
If the temperature is set to 74°F but the thermometer shows 78°F, you will have to recalibrate the thermostat to account for this 4-degree deviation. Even with older AC units or furnaces, you might have to recalibrate your thermostat from time to time.
A drafty house is caused by insufficient insulation, air leaks, and even HVAC problems in your home.
A common reason for a cold house is often insufficient insulation. Insulation serves as a barrier, preventing heat from escaping and cold air from entering. In homes with inadequate insulation, this thermal barrier is compromised, resulting in heat loss and difficulty retaining warmth.
Dirty or worn flame sensors, blower motor problems, clogs in the condensate lines, and electrical issues are some of the many problems that can leave your HVAC system failing to deliver the temperatures you've programmed in your thermostat.
Your house may not be heating up due to several reasons: a malfunctioning thermostat, issues with your heating system, blocked air filters, or inadequate insulation. It's important to check these components to identify and resolve the problem.
The Thermostat Is Unresponsive
If your thermostat display is dark or blank, even with fresh batteries and no issues with your circuit breaker, your thermostat may be broken. Another indicator is if nothing is changing on the screen when you press buttons.
If your house feels colder than the thermostat setting or feels drafty and cold, it could be a problem with the insulation, air leaks, or the HVAC system.
Best Ways of Finding Drafts in Your House
Turn off all the lights in your house and then hold a flashlight up to the windows, doors, or any other place you suspect of causing drafts. If you see any light shining through, that means there's a draft. Another effective way of testing for drafts is by using a candle.
The first air leak detection test is to place your hand around the cracks of your windows and doors—but this must be done on a cold day. This test also works best for detecting large air leaks. While your hand is placed over the cracks, pay close attention and notice if you feel cold air making its way inside.