Do you step inside your bedroom only to feel that it’s substantially colder than other rooms in your house?
Ideally, your bedroom should be at the same temperature as all the other rooms in your house.
If you have low temperatures in your bedroom, you could have a problem with your ductwork.
Nevertheless, there could be multiple other reasons why your bedroom could be too cold for your preference. A cold bedroom can lead to discomfort, interrupted sleep, and even health issues over time.
In this article, we will discuss why your bedroom is so cold and what you can do to fix it.
Why Is My Bedroom So Cold?
Sleeping in a cold bedroom can be quite an uncomfortable experience. Plus, the low temperatures can even make you feel sick during the winter months.
So why is your bedroom so cold?
Why do you need to wear two hoodies and cover yourself with a blanket only to get out of bed? Let’s find out.
Thin Walls
Let us begin with the simplest possibility. Pay attention to which cardinal direction your bedroom faces.
If your bedroom gets warm in the afternoon and cold at night, your walls are perhaps thin enough to get affected by the outside temperature.
To reduce the external influences, you should close your windows on extremely cold nights.
Blocked Vents
Another reason for a cold bedroom could be blocked vents. Thus, you should inspect all of the heating vents around your bedroom.
In certain cases, a furniture item might be obstructing the vent.
If that’s the case, move the furniture out of the way and rearrange the room, if necessary. You should also do the following things:
- Check the outer grates for signs of gunk buildup or dust.
- Clean the grates if they are dirty.
- If the grates look clean, remove the duct cover to check the inner vent.
You should also check if the vent is closed. For example, if you have recently moved into a new home, the vents can get closed.
If the vent is closed, the air in the ductwork will go elsewhere in your home.
The problem could also be dirt lines on the inner vent.
If you spot a rodent carcass or rodent dropping, you have an infestation issue and should immediately get in touch with an exterminator.
Make sure you take a flashlight to the vents to inspect them more closely.
You can even get a better idea about the condition of your vents by reaching inside and taking pictures with your phone.
Also read: How To Vent A Portable Air Conditioner Without A Window?
Dirty Filters and Air Vents
A dirty HVAC system can also be the culprit behind cold bedrooms. Your air vents and filters might be immensely dirty.
Learn about your HVAC system to know what the manufacturer says about replacing the filter. It is generally replaced every month.
This is particularly true if there’s high traffic passing through your home and if it’s allergy season.
It’s also an excellent idea to periodically clean the ducts and consider occasional HVAC preventative maintenance to avoid poor airflow.
To clean up the air vents, you should follow these steps:
- Turn off your HVAC system and detach the duct covers from the walls.
- Thoroughly clean up the grates of every grate. You can use a cleaning spray or soapy water too in this step.
- Use a vacuum hose to remove the dust from the air ducts. Make sure to also vacuum over any crevices.
Follow the same steps to clean out the grates on your ceiling.
During the cleanup, make sure to wear a dust mask and cover the floor with old newspaper. This will prevent the dust from landing on your face or the floor.
Drafty Windows
If there are cold drafts or winds around your windows, it means that heat is escaping. Even if there aren’t any cold drafts, there might be a leakage of air around your windows.
Check around every window frame for gaps and cracks or rotting wood, deteriorating caulking, and missing or cracked glass.
If you have single-pane windows, you might have to replace them. Upgrading to double-pane windows can even reduce your heating bill in winter.
Leakages in Your Ductwork
If your bedroom is cold at night but hot during the day, your ductwork is likely leaking.
Leakages in the ductwork can happen due to regular wear and tear or occur naturally from your house settling. Even pets bumping into the ductwork can cause leakages.
The problem can also be improper sealing of your ductwork. The leaking ductwork interrupts the flow of air.
Thus, you won’t get sufficient air into each room in your house, resulting in warm or cold rooms.
In case the cause of your cold bedroom is leaking ductwork, you need to hire an HVAC professional who can inspect and check the issue.
A professional HVAC professional can investigate your ductwork and identify leaks effectively.
If the ductwork is indeed leaking, the professional can repair it in a short time. They will even be able to discover any other problems that might be going on with your system.
Uninsulated Ductwork and Walls
Ductwork has to be properly insulated. If there are too many or too few vents, your bedroom will remain cold even when your heater is switched on.
You could invest in new insulation or restuff the wall cavities. However, you will have to remove the interior plasterboard to perform this task.
The simplest method to re-insulate your walls is to spray foam insulation inside the wall cavities.
Spray foam insulation enlarges to fill tiny gaps and enclosed spaces. You can apply foam insulation inside each wall cavity through tiny holes in your walls.
Most spray foam insulation is non-intrusive substances that can easily be cut away when needed.
If you live in an old house and haven’t replaced the vents or walls, this could also be causing the problem.
Old houses have thick walls and seldom have weatherproof wall coating.
As a result, the exterior could’ve been neglected for a long period which means your heater might not be able to increase the temperature.
Ineffective Heating System
An outdated or poorly maintained heating system may struggle to provide sufficient warmth for your bedroom.
Regularly servicing your HVAC system can help identify potential issues that may cause inefficiency. Additionally, consider investing in an energy-efficient heating system if the current one is unable to sufficiently heat your bedroom.
High Ceilings
Rooms with high ceilings often feel colder as warm air rises to the top, leaving the lower areas less heated. To combat this issue, use a ceiling fan on a low setting to distribute the warm air evenly in the room.
If you have the option to redesign your room, you might consider installing a dropped ceiling to reduce the overall height and create a cozy atmosphere in your bedroom.
How Do You Determine Why Your Bathroom Is So Cold?
It’s quite easy. You will need to speak to the previous owner or consult a professional and have them check the ductwork, ventilation, and exterior of the walls.
In case the cold bedroom is a new issue, it is perhaps because of failing ventilation or an improperly functioning air conditioner.
Think about how long you’ve had such problems and if something else has changed in your house.
For example, getting some work done around your walls can damage your vents or introduce leaks in your ductwork.
If that’s the case, contact the contractor and discuss the possibilities with them.
They might be able to offer some valuable information. Plus, they might also inspect if something went wrong and even repair it for free if it was their mistake.
There’s another makeshift solution for this problem. You can buy some HVAC tape or mastic sealant yourself and try to cover up the holes.
Given the time and effort needed to repair or replace ductwork, you can go with this solution if the problem isn’t critical and simply needs a quick fix.
How to Make Your Bedroom Warmer?
There are plenty of ways to make your bedroom warmer.
Here is a list of the things you can do to make the temperature inside your room comfortable without investing too much effort.
Change the Direction of Your Ceiling Fan
To increase the temperature in your bedroom, you can reverse your fan’s motor and make it clockwise.
This way, the fan creates an updraft that pushes the warm air near the ceiling back down and helps you feel warmer.
Use Draft Stoppers on Your Doors
One way to keep your bedroom warm is to use draft stoppers on your room. This prevents the cold air from entering the room.
You can even make your own draft stopper that matches your room décor.
Try A Space Heater
You can warm your bedroom a bit without switching on the central heat by using a space heater.
Make sure you pick a portable heater that’s appropriately sized for your bedroom. And place it far from the bed, so there’s no chance of the bedding coming in contact with it.
You should also practice safety precautions with the cord. For example, don’t stretch it across your bedroom escape route in case of an emergency.
Also, you need to ensure that the heater has a safety feature that switches it off automatically if it overheats or tips over.
Leverage Electric Blankets
Another effective solution to keep warm is using an electric blanket. These blankets have heating elements woven into the fabric, providing consistent heat throughout the night.
Many electric blankets offer adjustable heat settings, allowing you to customize the temperature to your preference. Ensure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid any safety risks.
Cover Your Floor with A Rug
Cover the floor of your bedroom with a thick rug during the winter months to insulate your bedroom.
A faux sheepskin rug doesn’t just look stylish but also adds a degree of warmth to the floor.
Implement Radiant Floor Heating
For a more permanent solution, you can consider installing radiant floor heating. This system uses tubes of hot water or electric heating coils placed beneath your floor to deliver consistent, comfortable warmth.
Radiant floor heating is an energy-efficient method that evenly distributes heat in your room, without the noise and dust circulation associated with traditional radiators.
Consult a professional to determine if this option is suitable for your home and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do upstairs bedrooms feel colder?
Upstairs bedrooms may feel colder due to several factors, such as heat rising, lack of insulation, and thermostat limitations.
Proper insulation and heating system adjustments can help maintain a comfortable temperature in upstairs bedrooms.
What causes temperature fluctuations in a room during different seasons?
Temperature fluctuations in a room during different seasons can be attributed to the changing outdoor temperatures, insulation, and how well the HVAC system adapts to these changes.
Making sure your windows and walls are properly sealed, and having a well-maintained HVAC system can help prevent significant temperature fluctuations.
How can I improve insulation in my bedroom?
To improve insulation in your bedroom, you can:
- Check for drafts around windows and doors, and seal any gaps or leaks.
- Add weatherstripping or thermal curtains to windows.
- Insulate walls, floors, and ceilings with suitable materials.
- Ensure that your attic is properly insulated.
What are some effective methods to warm up a bedroom quickly?
To warm up a bedroom quickly, you can:
- Use space heaters or electric blankets.
- Close curtains or blinds to trap warmth inside.
- Add a thick rug to your bedroom floor.
- Make use of draft stoppers for doors and windows.
- Use warm bedding materials, such as flannel sheets or down comforters.
How can I maintain consistent temperatures in my house?
To maintain consistent temperatures in your house:
- Inspect and change your HVAC filter regularly.
- Seal any air leaks around windows, doors, and other openings in the house.
- Use a smart thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature according to your preferences.
- Ensure that your heating and cooling systems are properly maintained and serviced.
- Properly insulate your home to prevent heat loss or gain.
What are the best devices or means to heat a cold room?
Some of the best devices or means to heat a cold room are:
- Space heaters (oil-filled, ceramic, or infrared).
- Electric blankets or heated mattress pads.
- Radiant floor heating systems.
- Balanced HVAC systems that distribute heat evenly throughout the house.
- Adequate insulation and air sealing in the room.
Wrapping It Up!
By now, you will have a fair idea of the reason behind your cold bedroom.
However, the tips and tricks will help you overcome the problem and prevent the temperature in your bedroom from falling too low!
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- Where to place a humidifier in the bedroom?
- 7 Easy Ways to Keep Top Floor Apartment Cool in Summer
- Why is My Bedroom so Dusty? 5 Common Reasons!