THERE’S NOTHING LIKE being inside your toasty house during winter while the wind howls outside and the snow accumulates everywhere. But if there’s a cold area that sends shivers down your spine, your home has a heating problem that needs to be addressed.

Here are some reasons why you need to put on your parka indoors even when the heat is on (and how to fix it).

Your furnace is undersized
If your furnace is too small, the heat won’t reach the areas furthest away. The first step when dealing with cold spots is to ensure your heating equipment can handle the coldest nights. Have a professional review your home’s construction and calculate the correct size for your furnace, especially if you’ve recently added a room or two.

Your system needs to be balanced
If your furnace is the right size and you still have that cold room or corner, your system may not be balanced to provide the right amount of air to each grille. Have your distribution system assessed to make sure there are no obstructions or leaks and the system is properly balanced.

Your windows are leaky
This is a common reason for cold spots. Air from outside enters your home through small gaps around your windows and will give you a ghostly draft, especially when the wind blows. You also waste energy trying to heat the cold air that enters. Seal around your windows and doors to keep warm air in and cold air out.

Your heating equipment needs to be repaired or replaced
If your furnace’s fan is dirty or your burner isn’t working, you won’t get enough heat for your whole house. After years of use, your furnace’s performance will drop, leaving you with less heat while consuming more energy. If your heating equipment is past its life span, consider upgrading to a new, more efficient system to take care of your home (and save on heating in the process).

Your furniture is blocking airflow
Sometimes the solution to a cold spot is simply to rearrange your furniture. If you block vents or radiators, the air won’t flow freely to heat your home. Think carefully about how you lay out your room to make sure you’re not shivering while your armchair heats up.

If you have cold spots at home and you need help with your equipment or distribution, give us a call and we can make your entire home toasty warm this winter.