It's time to avoid those pesky hot and cold spots and uneven temperatures. Here it is broke down into easy, do-it-yourself tips. This blog also contains tips that will require more skill and will also help you to know when it's a good time to contact a professional.

1.) Close or Open Your Register

This a simple yet effective approach. You can move the damper blade which will restrict air flow to the desired room. However, don't completely close the vent because it could cause other issues to your HVAC system.

During warm weather temperatures, open registers on your upper floor and partially close registers on first floor and/or your basement. Then, during cold temperatures, reverse the process.

Sierra Air Conditioning put together a handy guide to get your system properly balanced for each season. Try this process first:

Step 1: Set your thermostat to 76-78 degrees. (ideal range to start testing)

Step 2: Leave the temperature alone for at least 24 hours.

Step 3: In areas that are too cool, adjust the vents to allow for less air flow.

Step 4: Adjust in small increments to feel what works for your comfort.

Step 5: Re-check your adjustments (24 hours later) to feel if you reached the desired temperature.

Step 6: Continue until you reach your ideal temperature.

2.) Try a 2 Degree Offset

If you're in a two-story home and have two thermostats, set the temperatures to have a 2 degree off-set.

Here's what I mean...

Set the thermostat at a 2-degree difference for the floors. For example, upstairs could be set at 74 degrees and downstairs at 72. This will help with uneven temperatures.

3.) Check Filters for Cleanliness

There are numerous reasons to keep your filters clean...

Improves your air quality - cleaning the debris that builds up on your filters will aid with the flow of air.
Increases the efficiency of your furnace - reduced air flow through your heating and cooling system can cause your heat exchange to overheat and shut off too quickly. Keep the filter clean and it will aid in the efficiency of your furnace.
Extend the life of your HVAC system - would you believe the most common reason a HVAC breaks down is due to a dirty filter? A dirty filter makes your system work harder causing it to overheat.
Help keep energy costs down - Heating your home uses more energy and costs more money than any other system in your home -- typically making up about 42% of your utility bill. If your filter is not clogged your system will run more efficient. This alone will help keep your energy costs down. When you regularly change your filter, you can save from 5 to 15% on your bills.

4.) Install Window Coverings to Prevent Heat

Your windows will impact the comfort level in each room. Windows without drapes, blinds, shades etc. can heat up a room faster before a thermostat has the time to turn on and add relief.

Window coverings can make a difference in the overall appeal and comfort level. They also can help improve energy efficiency. In cooling seasons, about 76% of sunlight that falls on standard double-pane windows enters to become heat.

5.) Avoid Placing Electronic Equipment Near Thermostat

Electronic equipment creates a lot of heat and can really affect your comfort. Nowadays with the addition of large screen TV’s and computers, the distribution of heat in the room can change and may require adjustments to your vents.

This is typically noticed if you have a room air conditioner. The thermostat can pick up heat from appliances which can also cause your A/C to operate longer.

6.) Check for Drafts

You want to make sure your windows and doors are sealed properly as these often cause cold spots in your home.

7.) Adjust Ceiling Fans

Changing the directional settings of a fan can have a profound effect on air circulation. Your ceiling fans should go counterclockwise during warming months to create cool downward airflow. However, it should go at a low speed in a clockwise motion during the cooler months so it can help evenly distribute warm air.

8.) Prevent Airflow Restrictions

Do not cover registers with furniture or items that will restrict air flow. When you block a vent with furniture your system must work harder. Vents are there to supply free flow of air.

Here's a quick fix from Integrity Air:

"Your vents need 18 inches of space. Rearrange your furniture and hem your curtains so you can provide them with the air flow they need. If you have no other choice, get a magnetic air deflector so that the air blows away from the nearby furniture."

Deflectors can redirect the air flow keeping the intended air circulation.

9.) Place Thermostat Fan Setting to "ON"

Your fan setting can have an impact on your indoor air quality and comfort level. Most systems have two fan settings: On and Auto.

By utilizing the "ON" setting, the fan will blow continuously which will filter and always be replacing your indoor air. This in turn, will keep the air steady. In using the auto position, your air can become more stagnant.

Both come with pros and cons. When flipping to the “On” setting, you may see an increase in your utility bill.

10.) Fix Your Duct Work

Fix any duct work damage and or defects. Problems with the duct work can cause uneven distribution.

If the duct air flow system is out of balance you will find that when heating, some rooms are not warm enough while others are too cool. While in air conditioning mode, you'll find similarly that some rooms are not cool enough while others are too warm.

Depending on your skill you could:

fix loose duct joints by refitting and sealing the junction.
look for ductwork with sharp turns
insulate or seal the ducts

Always best to contact a HVAC professional.

11.) Check Your Insulation

If you think your home isn’t properly insulated, or you think you may not have insulation, hire a professional to do an evaluation. They will help find any problems with your insulation.

12.) Check and Adjust the System's Blower Fan Speed

Switching the fan speed can be easy if you know what you are doing.

Hunker gives a step by step tutorial, "How to change air handler fan speed" from disconnecting the power to testing the unit.

The steps include...

disconnecting the power
locating the blower motor and wiring
identifying the speed wires
changing the active speed wire
testing your HVAC system

13.) Install Extra Return Ducts if Necessary

"A second return duct can lower static pressure if the airflow bottleneck is on the return side."

Blake Shurtz, Greiner wrote an informative article on Adding a Second Return is Almost Always a Good Idea.

14.) Use Two Air Handlers

"If a single air handler is used for both heating and cooling, a basement located air handler will have an easier time pushing warm air up into higher floors of the home than it will pushing cool air up into the same spaces during the cooling season.

(Warm air rises through a building by convection while heavier cool air tends to fall).

Increased fan speed for cooling operation or booster fans may help. To avoid this problem some HVAC designs, use two air handlers, placing the second unit in the attic or ceiling above the uppermost floor." [source]

15.) Know the Size of Your HVAC System

Make sure the size of your HVAC system correlates with the size of your home. You don’t want a unit that is too small, and you don’t want one that is too large because it will over condition your home. When the furnace is too large, it can cause some issues in the home. From short cycling, to inefficient operation, to an uncomfortable living space.

Sizing a furnace accurately is really the job of a qualified HVAC contractor. To recommend the right furnace size, the professional should perform a whole house evaluation.

15 Tips on Balancing the Temperatures in Your Home