4 Reasons Your House is So Cold and How to Fix It

Your house should not feel like a walk-in freezer. If you’re cranking up the heat and your home is still cold, chances are something is not right. Your space should feel like a warm oasis and a chill is a sign that it is not holding on to the heat or there is a larger problem looming. Let’s break down why your residence feels like the arctic tundra so you can start warming up ASAP. 

1. Poor Insulation 

The older the home and the colder the climate, the more likely your frosty interior is the result of poor insulation. This is especially true in attics and basements, where heat can escape through walls, floors, and ceilings and cold can seep in through thin insulation. 

How to Fix It

Have your insulation inspected to determine if some spots need to be repaired or if all of your insulation in a specific space needs to be replaced. If it needs to be replaced, you may be able to upgrade the type of insulation to one that better suits your home. 

2. HVAC Issues

The lack of warmth in your home could be the result of a problematic heater, whether it has parts that need to be repaired or the whole system replaced. A working heater is essential to keeping your home comfortable through below-freezing temperatures and snow storms. 

How to Fix It

Contact your local HVAC repair specialist to take a look at your heater and see if it’s operating correctly. Work in routine maintenance to make sure the filters are not clogged. Even if it’s running properly, it could be the incorrect type or size for your home. An experienced HVAC tech will be able to identify the issue and recommend a solution. 

3. Blocked or Leaky Air Ducts

Older duct systems deteriorate over time, leading to leaks and gaps that can cause heat to be misdirected throughout your house. Your ducting can also become blocked by dust and debris if not cleaned regularly. 

How to Fix It

Have your air ducts cleaned regularly to ensure cool or warm air can flow freely year round. You can expect the cost of air duct cleaning to range from $150 to $800 depending on how big your home is and what kind of ducting you have. You can also have your ducting inspected by an HVAC professional to check for gaps that need to be repaired or to determine if ducting needs to be replaced.

4. Thermostat Problems  

It may sound silly, but you’d be surprised how quickly your home can get too cool when you have a faulty thermostat or one left on an incorrect setting. Thermostats have batteries that can die if not replaced regularly, leaving your heat off unexpectedly. 

How to Fix It

If your thermostat is not working correctly or continues to revert back to factory settings, call your local HVAC technician to inspect it and determine if it needs to be repaired or replaced. Check and replace the batteries. 

When to Call a Pro

Bring in a professional when your energy bills are unusually high and your home is still too cold, despite a running heater that seems to work otherwise. Any strange noises coming from your HVAC unit is cause for a call to an expert, as is consistently drafty rooms, especially in freezing temperatures.