Why is that room always too cold/hot?

We’ve all got that one room. In the summer, it’s a sauna. In the winter, it feels like the inside of a freezer. You crank the thermostat, close the door, stuff towels under it… but nothing seems to work.

So what’s really going on?

Surprise: it’s probably not just bad insulation. Your HVAC system — including the ductwork, vents, and cold air returns — might be the real culprit. Let’s break down a few of the most common reasons your home has uneven temperatures (and what you can do about it).

1. Your Vents Might Be Blocked

Sometimes the problem is as simple as something blocking the air. That could be dirt, dust, drywall scraps, pet hair, or even a dead critter (yep, it happens). If you’ve got a weird smell coming from the vent, it’s a good idea to call someone before things get worse — especially if it smells like something’s burning. That could mean debris on the heat exchanger, which can be a legit fire hazard.

Also: don’t forget about your cold air returns. If they’re covered up by furniture (like a couch, dresser, or bookshelf), that can throw off the airflow in your whole house. Rule of thumb: keep at least 10 inches of space around them so your system can breathe properly.

2. Damper Settings Might Be Off

Inside your ductwork, there might be a small metal flap called a damper — kind of like a steering wheel for airflow. It helps direct air to different parts of the house. If one room is getting too much air and others not enough, it could be a damper issue.

In some homes, dampers aren’t adjusted correctly, or they’re not even installed. In others, they might’ve been bumped during renovations or repairs. A quick adjustment can make a big difference — and if your system doesn’t have them, adding dampers could help you control airflow more evenly throughout your space.

3. Something Might Be Disconnected

Sometimes a duct gets knocked loose during renovations or just wasn’t installed right to begin with. A disconnected duct means air is literally spilling into a wall, crawlspace, or attic instead of reaching the room it’s supposed to.

In other cases, the wrong size of ducting was used for the space, or the cold air return is clogged or missing entirely. All of that throws off the pressure and airflow balance in your home. It’s more common than you think — especially in older homes or DIY-renovated spaces.

4. Your Furnace or AC Might Be the Wrong Size

Bigger isn’t always better. A furnace or AC system that’s too small for your home will run constantly and still struggle to keep things comfortable. That drives up your energy bills and puts extra wear and tear on the system.

But too big isn’t great either — it can actually heat or cool your space too fast, causing the system to shut off before it fully circulates air throughout the home. That leads to uneven temperatures, short cycling, and noisy or stressed-out equipment.

Bottom line: size matters, and the system needs to match your space.

5. Your System (and Filter) Might Be Way Too Dirty

If you live near construction, dirt roads, fields, or just have a lot of pets (or open your windows a lot — shoutout to Canadian summers), your HVAC system can collect dust fast.

A clogged system or dirty filter can slow airflow way down. That means some rooms don’t get what they need, and others get blasted. Plus, if the previous homeowners never cleaned the ducts, you could be dealing with years of gunk buildup you can’t even see.

A full duct cleaning plus a fresh filter swap can seriously improve airflow and comfort in the entire house.

6. You Don’t Have Ducts — and That’s Okay

If your home doesn’t use ducts (maybe you’ve got radiators, baseboard heating, or something older), there are other options. Ductless heat pumps are super efficient and can be installed just where you need them. Single-room or multi-room systems exist, and they’re a great fix if you're tired of one part of the house being uncomfortable year-round.

We also have solutions for boiler systems and other setups — just reach out and we’ll help you figure out what works for your space.

7. There Are Tools to Help Pinpoint the Problem

A good HVAC company should have video inspection tools to look inside your vents and see if there are any blockages or disconnections. This saves you from tearing open walls just to guess what’s wrong.

Thermal cameras can also highlight exactly where you’re losing heat or cold air — no guesswork needed. These tools are a game-changer for solving temperature issues quickly and accurately.

8. The Right Experience Makes All the Difference

Sometimes, it’s not about tools or theories — it’s just about knowing what to look for. A tech with real experience can usually figure things out pretty quickly after running a few tests. With how much HVAC systems cost these days, this isn’t the kind of thing you want to leave to guesswork. Getting it checked by someone who knows what they’re doing can save you a lot of time, money, and stress.

Still Wondering Why That Room Feels Off?

You’re not crazy — that one freezing or sweltering room is trying to tell you something. Whether it’s a simple fix like a blocked vent, or something more complex like a disconnected duct or misaligned damper, there is a solution.

Let us help you figure it out — so your whole house feels just right, no matter the season.