In Tallahassee, FL, summer heat is no joke—and when your air conditioning system is running, you expect cool comfort in every room of your home. So it’s frustrating when you walk from one room to another and suddenly feel a noticeable difference in temperature. These uncomfortable “hot spots” are a common issue, but they’re not something you have to live with.
At Peaden, our expert HVAC technicians know exactly what causes uneven cooling in Tallahassee homes, and more importantly, the air conditioning repair in Tallahassee, FL to fix it. Let’s explore the most likely reasons you’re experiencing hot spots and what you can do to get back to balanced, consistent comfort throughout your entire home.
Common Causes of Hot Spots in the Home
1. Poor Airflow or Blocked Vents
Sometimes the solution is as simple as a blocked or closed vent. Furniture, rugs, or clutter can prevent airflow from reaching parts of the room, creating warmer zones. In other cases, dampers in the duct system might be closed or misadjusted, restricting air to certain areas.
What to check:
- Make sure all supply and return vents are open and unobstructed
- Look for furniture or curtains covering vents
- Ensure dampers in the duct system (if you have them) are positioned correctly
2. Leaky or Poorly Designed Ductwork
In Tallahassee’s hot and humid climate, ductwork that runs through unconditioned spaces like attics or crawlspaces can develop leaks or lose insulation. If cool air escapes before it reaches certain rooms, you’ll experience uneven temperatures.
Signs of duct issues:
- Reduced airflow from some vents
- Whistling sounds or visible gaps in ductwork
- Higher-than-normal energy bills
Peaden Pros can perform a duct inspection and pressure test to identify and seal leaks, improving overall airflow and temperature balance.
3. Improperly Sized HVAC System
Bigger isn’t always better. If your air conditioner is too large for your home, it may cool quickly and shut off before air can circulate evenly. This is called short cycling, and it can leave rooms farther from the air handler feeling warm and humid.
On the flip side, if your AC system is too small, it might struggle to reach every part of the home, especially during extreme heat.
Our recommendation: Have a Peaden Pro perform a load calculation to ensure your system is properly sized for your home’s layout, square footage, and insulation levels.
4. Aging or Failing HVAC System
If your air conditioner is 10–15 years old, it may be losing efficiency or struggling to keep up with the demands of your home. Worn-out blower motors, dirty coils, or weak refrigerant charge can all lead to uneven cooling.
Tip: Regular maintenance by the Peaden Pros can catch these issues early and help extend the life of your system. If your AC is nearing the end of its service life, it may be time to consider a replacement with a properly zoned setup.
How to Fix Hot Spots and Improve Comfort
Peaden offers several solutions for solving uneven cooling:
Air Balancing
We’ll measure airflow throughout your home and adjust dampers or vents to distribute air more evenly.
Duct Repair or Replacement
Leaky or undersized ducts can be sealed, insulated, or replaced to restore proper airflow.
Zoning Systems
With a zoned HVAC system, your home is divided into multiple areas, each with its own thermostat and airflow control. It’s the best way to ensure consistent comfort throughout multi-story or complex floor plans.
Smart Thermostat Installation
Smart thermostats help manage temperatures better by learning your habits and adapting to keep rooms consistently cool.
Call the Peaden Pros for a Cooler, More Comfortable Home
If you’re tired of sweating in one room while freezing in another, let the Peaden Pros restore balance to your home’s comfort. We serve homeowners throughout Tallahassee, FL, with expert diagnostics, honest solutions, and top-tier HVAC repairs and upgrades.