How to Solve Uneven Cooling at Home in 5 Ways

April 26, 2024

Achieve ultimate comfort by solving uneven cooling issues.

Uneven cooling at home? Easily solve the issue with some helpful and effective tips.

Do you ever find yourself sweating in one room while the other is freezing? Uneven home cooling can be a real nuisance, especially if it’s affecting your comfort. Fortunately, there are ways to solve this common problem and ensure that your home stays comfortable all year round.


If you turn on your central air this spring and find that it cools well downstairs but not upstairs, you’re not alone. Here are five tips for solving uneven home cooling.


1. Use Your Air Vents to Control and Redirect Airflow

Check and see if anything is blocking your vents. They could be blocked by your furniture or other objects. If something is blocking the airflow, you can easily solve the issue by moving the object. But if something blocks the airflow from the inside, you may want to use a brush attachment on your vacuum to clean any dirt or debris out.


Once you’ve unblocked all of your vents, take a look at how they’re positioned. If some of the vents are pointing directly at a wall, they may not be able to distribute air properly. Try adjusting them so that they’re angled towards the center of the room.


2. Check for Leaks and Insulate Any Exposed Ductwork

Leaks in your ductwork can cause cooled air to escape before it ever reaches its destination. To help prevent this, check all the seals around your ducts and make sure they’re tight. You may also want to add insulation to any exposed ductwork to help keep the cool air in.


3. Switch the Fan from “Auto” to “On” Mode

Check your thermostat and toggle the fan switch between ‘Auto’ and ‘On.’ You can also try turning the switch to ‘On’ instead of ‘Auto’ if you notice your home cooling is outpacing the other areas. The modern thermostat offers multiple fan control settings that will help you even out temperatures. Here’s why this strategy works:


When in the “On” position, Your system’s fan will remain running and circulating air even after the cooling cycle has ended. This helps balance out temperatures between both floors, ensuring the air in your home is circulated.


When it’s in “Auto,” the fan will only activate when needed, such as if the system is cooling or heating. Therefore, if your upper floor is getting too hot, there won’t be much effect by the time the fan turns on and starts to circulate the cooler air.


4. Adding More Insulation in Your Attic

As heat rises, the upper floor of your home is likely warmer than the lower one. Make sure that you have enough insulation in your attic to keep cold air from escaping. This can help even out the temperatures between both floors. Adding an extra layer of insulation on the walls near any windows or door can also help keep cool air in.


5. Use of a Zoning System to Control Different Areas

It’s difficult to keep both floors at a comfortable temperature, especially if you have a two-story home with rooms that come in different sizes. By installing a zoning system, you’ll be able to solve this problem. This is because a zoning system can help you control the temperature in different areas in your home independently. This way, you can keep the upper floor cool without affecting the temperature downstairs.


Installing a zoning system is a big job, so you may want to hire a professional to help you with this project. However, it’s a great way to solve uneven home cooling and keep your entire house comfortable all year round.


By following these tips, you’ll be able to get rid of any cold spots in your home and create an environment that is comfortable for everyone. With a little bit of effort, you can solve uneven home cooling and make sure everyone stays cool all season long.


Want more helpful tips and tricks to improve your HVAC? Give us a call at Grand Rapids Duct Cleaners and we’ll gladly assist you!

You might also like

A man checking his air ducts to decide whether he need repairs or replacement
January 28, 2026
When the time comes, there are only two options regarding your air ducts. To repair or to replace? Here's how you'll know whether you replace or repair them.
Professional air duct mold inspection
January 16, 2026
Discover common types of mold in air ducts, how to spot them, and expert tips to keep your Grand Rapids home’s air clean, safe, and healthy.
Technician in PPE sanitizing air duct vent.
December 31, 2025
Breathe easier with professional air duct sanitization in Grand Rapids, MI. Improve air quality, reduce allergens, remove odors, and boost HVAC efficiency today.
Metal dryer vent on a shingle roof
December 16, 2025
Learn what every homeowner should know about roof dryer vents. Discover common issues, maintenance tips, and expert cleaning in Grand Rapids, MI.
New MERV 13 air filter next to dirty, used HVAC filter
November 30, 2025
Discover the 7 types of air filters and how to choose the best one for your Grand Rapids home to improve air quality, cut allergies, and save energy.
Man cleaning outdoor AC unit with a brush
November 15, 2025
Discover easy tips to extend the life of your AC in Grand Rapids, MI. Lower energy bills, boost efficiency, and keep your home cool all summer long
Show More

Book a Service Today