Why is my house cold at 72 degrees?

Author: Ayden Swift Jr.  |  Last update: Friday, January 23, 2026

Your house could be cold due to an old air filter, a faulty furnace, improper insulation, or leaky ductwork. The simple fixes, like replacing an air filter, are relatively easy to complete. However, if the heater itself needs repairs, it's best to call in a professional to take a look and determine the problem.

Why does 72 degrees feel cold in my house?

It is because of the temperature gradient. Basically, your thermostat is probably on an inside wall. At its central location, it feels the house to be 72, whether the heat is on or the ac is. But as you get closer to the outside walls, the temperature is going to get closer to the outside temperature.

Why is my house colder than the thermostat setting?

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.

Why is my house still cold at 70 degrees?

Rooms Are Cold Even With Heating On

It could be due to blocked vents, a failing HVAC fan, or issues with the furnace itself. Ensure that furniture or drapes are not blocking your vents. Also, check if your furnace's filter is clean, as a dirty filter can restrict airflow.

Why is my house so cold when it's warm outside?

Because your house in insulated. It keeps heat in, and if your house is cold it's gonna keep the cold in. The short answer is : Insulation.

Where should you set your thermostat when the temperatures are cold?

How to fix a cold house?

Practical tips to make your cold house warmer right now
  1. Use blinds and curtains to trap in heat. ...
  2. Try space heaters. ...
  3. Use draft stoppers with exterior doors. ...
  4. Warm up with a heating pad or heated blankets. ...
  5. Add fresh weather stripping to doors and windows. ...
  6. Use your fireplace. ...
  7. Or block off your fireplace.

Why does my house feel colder than normal?

Single-pane windows and poorly sealed doors can allow heat to escape, making your home feel colder than it should. Upgrading to double-pane windows and ensuring that doors are properly sealed can make a significant difference in heat retention.

Why does 65 inside feel colder than 65 outside?

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.

Why will my house not warm up?

One of the most common issues with a heating system not functioning is dirty air filters. If your air filters are extremely dirty, then the airflow can be blocked. Check for clean air filters, vents, and registers. Make sure there are no rugs or furniture blocking vents or registers as well.

How to make a cold house warm?

How to keep your house warm in winter
  1. Draught-proof your home. ...
  2. Insulate your pipes. ...
  3. Bleed your radiators and install reflector panels. ...
  4. Upgrade your heating controls. ...
  5. Top up your hot water cylinder insulation. ...
  6. Top up your loft insulation. ...
  7. Upgrade your boiler. ...
  8. Insulate your walls.

How can I find out why my house is so cold?

Heating On, But House Still Cold? 5 Possible Causes
  • Inadequate insulation. The insulation in your home acts like a cosy blanket, keeping the warm air in and the cold air out. ...
  • Draughty doors and windows. ...
  • Outdated or inefficient heating system. ...
  • Blocked or closed vents and radiators. ...
  • Thermostat issues.

Why is my house not reaching set temperature?

Some of the most common thermostat issues include:

The thermostat is broken, not properly level, or dusty. The thermostat needs to be recalibrated. There is loose wiring causing a thermostat issue.

Why is the temperature dropping in my house?

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.

Is it bad to run AC at 72?

Setting your air conditioning to 72°F is generally considered a comfortable indoor temperature for many people. It strikes a good balance between comfort and energy efficiency, making it a popular choice for residential settings.

What is an unhealthy house temperature?

The World Health Organization recommends a thermostat setting no lower than 68 degrees while you're home. If you have children or seniors in your house, that number increases to at least 70 degrees. If your house is too cold, it can cause problems with blood pressure and circulation, as well as affect your heart rate.

Why won't my heat go above 72?

Clean your Air Filters, Vents, and Ducts – A clogged air filter will struggle to meet the thermostat's set temperature since the dirt and debris buildup prevents air from circulating through the vents. And as airflow into living spaces drops, so do comfort levels.

Why is my house cold at 72?

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.

Why is my HVAC not keeping my house warm?

The furnace is short cycling

Along with not giving the furnace enough time to heat the house, short cycling also wastes power. A variety of factors can cause short cycling: a clogged air filter, a malfunctioning thermostat, a faulty limit switch, overheating, or a problem with the furnace's heat exchanger.

Why is my house taking so long to heat up?

sounds like there is a problem with radiators heating the property, this could be one or more of several factors ie, boiler or system control fault, circulation fault or even gas supply fault. An investigation by a professional should quickly be able to diagnose.

Why does 70 degrees feel cold inside?

Why does 70 inside feel different in the winter compared to summer? There are multiple factors but the main reason is the dry air. Dry air causes evaporation of the moisture from our skin which in the process makes us feel cooler. Meanwhile humid air hinders evaporation doing the opposite.

Why does my house feel cold despite the thermostat?

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.

Why does it feel colder than my thermostat says?

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.

Why is my AC temperature not going down?

There are a number of reasons why your air conditioner might be running but not cooling. It could be an issue with the thermostat, the compressor, or the evaporator coils. Or, it could simply be clogged with dust and debris, which is preventing it from working properly.

How can I make my house warmer?

Ideas to keep the home warm in winter
  1. Ready your radiators.
  2. Warm up with a rug.
  3. Keep cosy with curtains.
  4. Smarten up your heating.
  5. Lining your loft.
  6. Make draughts disappear.
  7. Reflect the heat.

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