When one room in your home feels comfortable but another always runs cold, it’s a sign your heating system isn’t distributing air evenly. Uneven heating is a common issue in homes, especially as temperatures drop and your furnace or heat pump runs more frequently.

Understanding the cause is the first step toward improving comfort and efficiency. Here’s what could be behind the temperature differences and what you can do to fix them.

Blocked or Leaking Ductwork

The air ducts that carry warm air throughout your home are the most common source of uneven heating problems. Over time, ducts can develop leaks, gaps, or become partially blocked by dust and debris. When that happens, less warm air reaches certain rooms, while others receive too much.

You can check for this by feeling around accessible ducts for warm air escaping at seams or joints. A professional duct inspection and sealing can locate and repair leaks to balance airflow and improve overall efficiency.

Dirty Air Filters

A clogged or dirty air filter restricts airflow throughout your heating system. That reduced circulation often means rooms farthest from the furnace receive less heat, while others remain normal.

Replacing your air filter every one to three months, especially during heavy heating use, keeps airflow strong and consistent. It’s one of the easiest and least expensive fixes for uneven temperatures.

Poor Insulation or Air Leaks

If certain rooms – especially those above garages or near exterior walls – feel cooler, insulation may be the issue. Warm air escapes through poorly sealed windows, doors, and attic spaces, forcing your system to work harder and still leaving cold spots.

Adding insulation in attics or wall cavities and sealing gaps with weatherstripping or caulk can help stabilize temperatures throughout your home.

Improperly Sized HVAC System

A system that’s too small will struggle to heat the entire home evenly, while an oversized one can short-cycle (turn on and off too quickly), never allowing air to distribute properly. Both situations lead to inconsistent comfort levels.

If you’ve recently renovated, added rooms, or noticed rising energy costs, your system may no longer match your home’s heating needs. Scheduling an HVAC inspection helps determine if resizing or system upgrades are necessary.

Thermostat Placement and Zoning

Your thermostat measures the temperature in one area and adjusts the system based on that reading. If it’s located in a warmer or sunnier spot, other parts of the home may not get enough heat.

For multi-level homes or those with large floor plans, installing zoned heating controls or multiple thermostats can balance temperatures more effectively. Smart thermostats also allow for room-by-room adjustments that improve comfort and reduce waste.

Blocked Vents and Registers

Sometimes, the cause of uneven heat is as simple as blocked vents. Furniture, rugs, or drapes can prevent warm air from circulating. Make sure each register is open and unobstructed to allow full airflow.

Also, check that supply and return vents are not closed in unused rooms – this can disrupt air balance and increase system strain.

Aging or Poorly Maintained Equipment

As furnaces age, components like blowers and burners lose efficiency. The system may still produce heat, but it won’t push it evenly throughout the house. Routine heating maintenance ensures the entire system is cleaned, calibrated, and functioning properly.

A yearly tune-up before winter begins can also identify issues like blower imbalances, dirty coils, or thermostat malfunctions that lead to uneven heating.

What You Can Do Right Now

If you notice some rooms staying colder than others, here are a few simple steps to try:

1. Replace your air filter.
2. Open and clear all vents and registers.
3. Close windows tightly and check for drafts.
4. Use ceiling fans at low speed to circulate warm air.
5. Schedule professional maintenance if problems persist.

Consistent maintenance and minor adjustments often make a big difference in restoring comfort.

Tired of uneven heating in your home? Call (781) 519-9921 or schedule heating service with Super Service Today. Our technicians can inspect your system, seal leaks, and make sure every room in your home feels warm this winter.

Even though daytime temperatures in Wilmington may still hover in the 70s and 80s, cooler mornings and evenings are right around the corner. That’s when many homeowners will bring space heaters out of storage for extra comfort. These compact units are convenient and effective, but they also require care. While modern designs include safety features, misuse is still one of the leading causes of space heater problems in homes.

Now is the perfect time to review safe use guidelines so your family can stay warm without worry. Below are practical space heater safety tips every homeowner should keep in mind.

Space Heater Safety Tips for Homeowners

Choosing the Right Space Heater

Not all space heaters are the same, and the first step toward safe use is selecting the right type for your home.

Convection heaters are ideal for warming larger rooms evenly, while radiant heaters provide direct warmth to people and objects nearby. Ceramic heaters combine both methods, making them versatile for bedrooms or offices.

Beyond type, size matters. A heater that’s too small will run constantly and wear out quickly, while one that’s too large can waste energy and create hot spots. For many households, choosing a unit with features like a thermostat, timer, or automatic shut-off ensures efficiency and adds another layer of protection.

Safe Placement Matters

Where you place your heater has a major impact on both safety and performance. Always position the unit on a flat, level surface such as hardwood, tile, or another nonflammable material. Carpets and rugs can trap heat and increase fire risk. The heater should also be kept at least three feet away from curtains, furniture, bedding, or other items that could overheat.

This is particularly important in older homes with smaller rooms or basements where space may be limited. Avoid setting a heater in hallways or high-traffic areas where it can be bumped or tipped over. While many models include tip-over shut-off features, prevention is the better strategy.

Power and Electrical Safety

Because space heaters draw significant electricity, how you power them matters. Always plug them directly into a wall outlet. Extension cords and power strips aren’t designed to handle the load and can overheat quickly. If you need the heater in a different location, unplug it and move it instead of relying on extra cords.

Inspect cords regularly for damage, and never run them under rugs or furniture where heat buildup can go unnoticed. If you notice your heater trips the breaker or causes lights to flicker, especially in an older Wilmington home with original wiring, call an electrician before continuing use.

Using Your Heater Safely

Space heaters are designed for temporary, attended use – that means never leaving them running overnight while you sleep or when you leave the house. Even newer models with safety features can malfunction, and turning them off is the simplest way to prevent issues.

Resist the urge to place clothing, blankets, or other objects on top of the heater. This restricts airflow and creates overheating risks. Instead, use the heater for what it’s designed for (warming the room) and keep all items clear of the unit. Setting the thermostat at the lowest comfortable level also reduces stress on the heater while maintaining steady warmth.

Considerations for Families with Kids or Pets

If your household includes children or pets, extra steps are needed to ensure safety. Look for models with cool-touch exteriors and protective grilles that shield heating elements. Place the heater in areas where it cannot easily be reached or knocked over.

For busy households, heaters with motion sensors that shut off if someone gets too close provide peace of mind. Even with these features, teaching children to avoid touching the heater and creating boundaries for pets is an important part of safe operation.

Space Heater Maintenance and Inspection

Before bringing your space heater out of storage, give it a thorough inspection. Look for:

• Cracked housings
• Frayed cords
• Signs of wear
• Dust buildup

If your heater is more than ten years old, it may not include important safety features like automatic shut-off or tip-over protection. At that point, replacement is the safer choice. Investing in a new model with modern protections is far less costly than dealing with the risks of outdated equipment.

Stay Comfortable in Wilmington This Season

Space heaters can provide quick comfort during cool evenings, but they should be viewed as a supplement, not a replacement, for your home’s main heating system. If you find yourself depending heavily on space heaters just to keep your home warm, it may be a sign that your furnace or heating equipment needs attention.

The team at Super Service Today provides expert heating services to ensure your whole home is efficient and comfortable. From maintenance and repairs to system replacement, we’ll help you stay warm without relying too much on space heaters.

Call (781) 519-9921 today to schedule your heating service in Wilmington and prepare your home for the season ahead.

As the colder months set in, many homeowners experience the same thing: they flip on their furnace for the first time in months and notice an unusual smell. It might be a burning odor, a musty scent, or something that doesn’t seem right at all.

While some furnace smells are normal when restarting your system, others may signal a need for service. Knowing the difference helps you protect your comfort and your safety.

Common Furnace Odors and What They Mean

When you turn on your furnace for the first time each season, different smells can tell you different things about the condition of your system. Some are harmless and temporary, while others should not be ignored.

Dust or Burning Smell

This is the most common odor at the start of the season. Dust collects on the heat exchanger and other components during months of inactivity, and when the furnace fires up, that dust burns away. The smell should fade within a few hours.

If it lingers for more than a day, the furnace may need cleaning or professional maintenance.

Musty or Damp Smell

A musty odor often points to excess moisture in ductwork or around the furnace, which can allow mold or mildew to develop. This smell is a warning sign for indoor air quality issues and should not be ignored.

Duct cleaning or drainage system inspection may be necessary to address the problem.

Electrical or Metallic Smell

An odor that resembles hot wires or metal overheating is a sign of potential electrical trouble inside the furnace. Unlike dust burn-off, this is not normal. If you notice it, shut down the system and call a professional for inspection before further damage occurs.

Gas or Rotten Egg Smell

A sulfur-like or rotten egg odor is often a sign of a natural gas leak. This is a serious concern and requires immediate action. Leave your home, avoid flipping switches, and call your gas utility before contacting a heating contractor for repair.

Chemical or Plastic Smell

If the smell is sharp or chemical-like, it may be caused by plastic or other materials near the furnace or in the ductwork. Sometimes failing components inside the furnace can also produce this odor. Either way, it’s a problem that requires a technician’s attention.

How to Reduce Furnace Odors

Not every furnace smell can be prevented, but many can be minimized with preparation.

Scheduling annual furnace maintenance is the most effective way to reduce odors and prevent problems. A tune-up includes cleaning, filter replacement, and a full system check, ensuring everything is ready before winter begins. Running your furnace for a few hours early in the season, before cold weather arrives, can also burn off dust in a controlled way and limit unpleasant odors later.

When to Call a Professional

Some odors will fade on their own, but others require expert help. If a smell is strong, unusual, or persistent, the safest option is to call for service. A licensed technician can identify the cause, clean the system, and make sure your furnace is safe to use.

Protect Your Comfort This Heating Season

Strange odors from your furnace can be unsettling, but not all of them signal a major problem. Understanding what different smells mean helps you take the right steps for your home and your family. Preventive maintenance and prompt service are the best ways to ensure your heating system runs safely and efficiently.

If you’re concerned about furnace odors or need seasonal service to your Wilmington, MA  home, Super Service Today is here to help. Call (781) 519-9921 to learn more about our heating services and schedule your appointment today.