Temperature fluctuations can happen anywhere in a home. It might feel frigid upstairs even though users have toasty temperatures on the main level. Users set the thermostat and expect the heating and cooling to respond appropriately, but that isn’t always the case.
The bonus room could be cold for a few different reasons. Taking a closer look at some of the possible causes can give the insight that users need to fix the problem for good.
3 Reasons for Cold Bonus Room
Having a cold bonus room over the garage is one of the most common heating issues for homeowners. Whether users are using the space as an office, the kids’ playroom, or just another area for lounging, they want it to be as cozy as the rest of their home. Honing in on these scenarios can help.
1) Poor home insulation
Noticing an extreme temperature swing when users walk into a room is a sure sign of trouble
Noticing an extreme temperature swing when users walk into a room is a sure sign of trouble. Some bonus rooms shift as much as 10 degrees from the rest of the house. One reason for this could be poor insulation. If users don’t have a good barrier between the garage ceiling and the base of the bonus room or from the attic area above the bonus room then it will be difficult for the space to retain heat. This is especially true during colder weather.
Adding some new insulation to the walls and ceiling might be enough to fix the issue. Spray foam insulation, for example, has become popular because it can provide more complete coverage. Of course, if users don’t want to go that route, there are other options.
2) Too many drafts coming in
Another reason why the bonus room is so cold might be from drafts. Instead of the warm air escaping, users could be looking at cold air coming in through gaps and spaces between the windows and the walls. When users place their hand over those seams, do they feel a draft coming inside? That could be the problem.
To keep the bonus room more sealed off from the elements, users will want to make sure they have enough caulk around their windows. This will work to cut off any drafts that are sneaking in. Plus, it’s a good practice to follow in any room of the home.
The better insulated and sealed the home is, the better off users will be with the energy expenses. These are relatively minor fixes, though. For some homes, users might need to opt for a more robust solution to regulate the bonus room’s temperature.
3) Need a mini-split for comfort
Installing a mini-split system can give the control users need for a cold bonus room
Correcting an ongoing heating issue can make a big difference in how relaxed users are at home. They shouldn’t have to bundle up with sweaters and blankets just to keep from shivering. When the bonus room can hold a reasonable temperature throughout the year, users will be able to enjoy and make the most of that space.
Installing a mini-split system can give the control users need for a cold bonus room. These units work with specific areas or zones of the home. Instead of relying on one thermostat to balance out every room, mini-split lets users target those problem places directly.
Working with a local HVAC company can help take care of those hot and cold spots for good. It usually only takes a quick visit to determine the right temperature control solution for the home. If users are in the greater Indianapolis area, let the team at LCS Heating & Cooling help analyze the options.
