5 Solutions for a Room That’s Always Too Hot

If you’re like most homeowners, there are one or two rooms that are always significantly warmer than the rest of your home. Typically these rooms are upstairs or directly hit by afternoon sunlight, and trying to make these areas cooler can make your home’s other rooms uncomfortably cold.

Fortunately, there are multiple ways to make these rooms more comfortable so that you can enjoy them—along with lower energy bills. Check out our tips below!

1. Invest in heat-blocking window treatments.

Rooms that are always too hot almost always need better window treatments. Rather than standard curtains and blinds, invest in coverings that have better insulating properties, such as Roman shades, thermal curtains, or insulated cellular shades. Just remember to keep those window coverings closed on hot days to take advantage of their heat-blocking abilities.

2. Swap out the room’s incandescent light bulbs for LEDs.

Traditional incandescent light bulbs are not as energy-efficient as LED light bulbs. Consequently, they release more wasted energy in the form of heat. The heat they give off can make their surroundings noticeably hotter. By switching to LEDs, you’ll not only get lower energy bills but a cooler room as well.

3. Install a ceiling fan.

Running a ceiling fan while you’re in the room can make you feel up to 10 degrees cooler! This will significantly reduce your dependence on your air conditioner in a room that’s much warmer than the rest of your home. According to Home Advisor, a ceiling fan installation typically will cost between $144 - $352, a worthwhile long-term investment in your comfort.

4. Use floor and table fans.

If ceiling fans are not a viable option, you can get the same effect from portable fans. Just keep in mind the amount of space that’s available to you. For instance, a tower fan may be a better option for you than a pedestal fan if you’re looking for something tall but compact.

5. Install a zoning system.

A zoning system can be installed in many existing HVAC systems. Essentially, it allows you to send cool or warm air to whichever room or “zone” needs it. This means you can focus your system’s energy on cooling down your home’s warmest rooms while not wasting energy on the rooms that are already cool.

Keep in mind: this is not a DIY project. You’ll need to contact an HVAC professional to:

1. See if your HVAC system is compatible with a zoning system
2. Install the zoning system in your HVAC system

At Albright's Mechanical Services, we’re proud to offer top-quality heating and cooling services in Baltimore. For help with your home’s HVAC system, contact us online, or give us a call at (410) 834-0148.