Skip to main content

Hot Spots in Your House? Here’s How to Fix It.

May 18, 2021

Have you ever noticed there’s one space in your house that is warmer than the rest? Maybe it is one specific room that feels several degrees warmer than the rest of the house. You can drive yourself crazy trying to fix hot spots, from blackout curtains to ceiling fans. In this blog, we’re sharing why hotspots happen and what you can do to fix them. 

What’s A Hot Spot?

Ideally, your air conditioning system is providing an even temperature to the entire home. But sometimes, there is one space that gives you trouble. A hot spot is a concentrated area inside your home where it feels warmer than it should. And most likely, that hot spot in the summer becomes a cold spot in the winter. 

What Causes a Hot Spot?

There are many reasons why a space in your home may feel warmer than the rest. Some of the most common causes are: 

  • Thermostat Problems – your air conditioner operates based on the temperature sensor inside your thermostat. So if your thermostat is on the fritz, or if the problem area is located far away from the thermostat, that could be why it’s causing trouble.
  • Ductwork and Balancing Problems – another problem could be with airflow. Maybe other spaces are getting too much airflow, or the hot spot isn’t getting enough. You might also have an air leak in the duct that needs sealing. Adequate airflow is critical to delivering cool comfort to the space. 
  • More Heat in the Space – a common culprit of a hot spot is simply that one space has more heat than other spaces. Large windows, lots of electronics, or south-facing walls can all be reasons that space has more heat. If there is more heat in your problem space than in other spaces of your home, that can cause an imbalance. 
  • Spreading the AC Too Thin – if a lot has changed in your home since your air conditioner was first installed, that too could be the cause for a hot spot. This is especially the case if you have finished out a space that previously didn’t have air conditioning, like an attic or a basement. 

There are many other possibilities for why a hot spot exists, but no matter the reason there is good news. You don’t have to live with a hot spot! We can make adjustments to your home comfort system to ensure that EVERY space feels comfortable, even on the hottest days. 

How To Fix a Hot Spot in My Home

Luckily, there are better and more permanent solutions than cranking a ceiling fan to high and darkening the room with blackout blinds.

The first course of action is to check all the air vents in your home. If there are some rooms that feel frigid while others are sweltering, try changing the vane position on your vents to allow for more airflow in the spaces that are warm. Our team can also check any balancing dampers that are located inside your ductwork to make sure the spaces are getting adequate airflow.

One option could be to add a temperature sensor to the problem area. Depending on the type of thermostat you have, additional temperature sensors can be used to give the air conditioning system a more accurate representation of the temperature throughout your home rather than one specific area.

Another solution is a ductless mini-split. A ductless mini-split provides a dedicated air conditioning to a single space. This is a fantastic solution for a hot spot, especially if you have recently done renovations where there is added square footage. Mini-splits are also an excellent choice for a room that are used intermittently, like an office or a guest bedroom. The person using the space is able to choose the temperature that makes them the most comfortable, and can turn off the A/C when they leave the room. 

Finally, considering weatherizing your home. Weatherization can help not just with your indoor comfort, but also with saving on your energy bills.

Need Help With a Hot Spot? Call Brody Pennell!

Call Brody Pennell to diagnose and fix your hot spot issues for good! Our team can help you navigate all the solutions, from zoning to ductless, and recommend the best solution for your home. You can trust the team that has been serving Los Angeles since 1945. Whatever it is you need, we’re here for you! Call us at (310) 810-2721.


About The Author

Brody Pennell

Since 1945, Brody Pennell Heating & Air Conditioning is the committed to helping homeowners in the greater Los Angeles area experience total home comfort. In 2021, the readers of the Los Angeles Times voted Brody Pennell the Best HVAC Company in the area.

Request Service

Please fill out the form below to request an estimate or schedule service.

"*" indicates required fields

By clicking “Send Message”, I am providing express written consent to receive autodialed and pre-recorded calls, texts, and SMS/MMS with marketing communications from Brody Pennell regarding home services at the phone number provided above, even if the number is on a corporate, state, or national Do Not Call list. Consent is not a condition to purchase services or products.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Google logo with 4.9 star rating
Facebook logo with 4.9 star rating
Yelp Logo with 4.8 star rating
Anthony was a Pro!
Definitely recommend him!
Showed up on time and was very friendly!
Great costumer service!
10 stars!!!
Response from the owner:Your satisfaction is our reward. Thank you for the 5-star review!
Kevin was fantastic! We have an old system and Kevin took the time to explain every piece of equipment in the HVAC. Appreciate the attention to detail and will be definitely using them in the future. Thanks!
Response from the owner:Thank you for the perfect rating! We're pleased to know you had a great experience.
Both Justin’s that came to repair our unit were on time, very polite and explained what needed to be done in order for our unit to function. They took their time and were very thorough. Greatly appreciated. We are still deciding on the project .
Response from the owner:Your 5-star review made our day! Thanks for choosing us.
Hamachi’s Acosta and Allen Urquidez did a great job and now I have great air flow on “fan” function. I could not do it on my own.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind review! Your satisfaction is our top priority.
Had a great experience with today with the team from Brody Pennel. Punctual, professional, and effective. Would definitely use them again!
Response from the owner:Your 5-star review made our day! Thanks for choosing us.
Ruben Medina was very professional and pleasant and did a great job analyzing the issue with my AC, and came back to finish the job although it was later in the day.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words about Juan! We appreciate your feedback and are glad to hear that he provided you with excellent service.
I was referred to Brody Pennell from a friend who has utilized them for decades. There is something so comforting about working with True experts that know how to install a machine and how to ensure that it runs properly for years to come. Had a great experience with installation and with Jason, who came to service our units.
Update:
We just had Justin and Allen service since inexplicably our power was out to the unit. They resolved it so quickly and are wonderful gentlemen! Grateful for a company with integrity and happy staff.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the high praise! We're glad you enjoyed our service.
Very good service call. Very thorough!
Response from the owner:Your satisfaction is our reward. Thank you for the 5-star review!
Leaving a quick perfect review because of the super kind man that talked to me on the phone at this place - he was leagues away more professional in his brief conversation with me than someone else from a different local AC company was that I spoke to yesterday. If that other place falls through this afternoon, I will immediately be contacting these guys back, because they clearly value mutual respect and human decency over that of at least one competitor out here in LA
Response from the owner:Thanks for the fantastic review! We're happy to have served you well.
Daniel B. and David E. Both did such an amazing and mindful job diagnosing my AC unit. They took their time, and kept me informed each step of the way.I highly recommend both of these gentlemen.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the 5-star review! We're thrilled to know you had a fantastic experience with us.
Fantastic service. Technicians Jose Castillo and Misael Ramirez were consummate professionals. Wouldn’t trust any other company to service my HVAC system.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind review! Your satisfaction is our top priority.
Response from the owner:Thanks for the fantastic review! We're happy to have served you well.
Kevin was extremely polite and professional and explained everything he worked on and inspected and was very thorough in his work. We are very happy with his service and promptness.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the high praise! We're glad you enjoyed our service.
Hands down the best HVAC service I’ve used. My home’s never felt more comfortable. Reason are very reasonable amazing service 😀
Response from the owner:We're delighted you had a great experience with us. Thanks for the 5-star review!
Giovanny came on the same-day to look at our HVAC system. Very professional and solid experience !
Response from the owner:Thank you for the high praise! We're glad you enjoyed our service.
Jonathan came and not was able to quickly fix my HVAC but spent the time to teach me what went wrong. Very friendly and helpful!
Response from the owner:Thanks for the fantastic review! We're happy to have served you well.
Excellent and knowledgeable service
Response from the owner:Thank you for the perfect rating! We're pleased to know you had a great experience.
Ivan Diaz was fantastic! Professional courteous and knowledgeable. He advised me of everything he would check for both of our house systems. After reviewing, cleaning condensers and changing filters. He also tactfully suggested a few recommendations which would be useful for our home. Mr. Diaz is a credit asset to your organization.
Response from the owner:Thanks for the fantastic review! We're happy to have served you well.
Great inspection/maintenance service today from Alex and Alberto. They were very thorough in both thier inspection and wonderful in explaining what they found and had a picture for everything. Very personable too. I believe you can't go wrong with Brody Pernnell
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind review! Your satisfaction is our top priority.
He explained so politely we were satisfied his maintenance and we hope he will come back for next maintenance.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the perfect rating! We're pleased to know you had a great experience.
Great experience. I was notified of an estimated arrival time so I could plan. When the tech came,he listened to my concerns and didnt try to diminish my concerns or upsell because im a woman. He took his time and triple checked everything. He didnt rush or try and sell me anything I didnt need which is everything. So I would recommend and will use again if need be.
Response from the owner:Your satisfaction is our reward. Thank you for the 5-star review!
Great service.
Response from the owner:We appreciate your feedback and the 5-star rating! It means a lot to us.
Matthew was great! Subscribed so I"ll be seeing him again:)
Response from the owner:We appreciate your feedback and the 5-star rating! It means a lot to us.
Great work from Juan and David, both were very professional. They explained things thoroughly showed me pictures of a rooftop unit, and we’re very detailed oriented. Will definitely use this company again.
Response from the owner:Your 5-star review made our day! Thanks for choosing us.
Response from the owner:We appreciate your feedback and the 5-star rating! It means a lot to us.
Jonathan from Brody Pennel was very professional and skilled. He kept me informed throughout the servicing of my AC unit and discussed what was needed to keep it running in optimal condition.
Response from the owner:We appreciate your feedback and the 5-star rating! It means a lot to us.
Giovanny was extremely professional and thorough. I felt like I received exceptional service from him and am continuing to work with Brody Pennell to replace my AC unit.
Response from the owner:We're delighted you had a great experience with us. Thanks for the 5-star review!
Replacing my HVAC through Brody Pennel, I am very satisfied with my experience. From making an appointment to finishing the work, the process was systemized and thorough. Actual work was clean and timely. Thank you very much!
Response from the owner:We're delighted you had a great experience with us. Thanks for the 5-star review!
I've finally found an AC maintenance company I can trust! Octavio and Armando serviced my two ACs today, checked and rechecked everything, cleaned the system, identified problems and solutions, and were incredibly professional, thorough and clear in all their explanations! They also wore booties and were nice to my dog :)
I've tried three other companies and have never had the great level of inspection and service that I had today.
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your experience with us, adrienne bell! We're grateful for your kind words and we're glad Octavio and Armando provided you with such exceptional service. We appreciate your trust in us!
Ivan was fantastic. He arrived on time, was very friendly and respectful of my home. He explained everything he was doing and answered all my questions. Everything was left in clean condition and my unit is running perfectly. I am 100% satisfied.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the glowing review! We're thrilled to hear that you're happy with our service.
Response from the owner:We appreciate your feedback and the 5-star rating! It means a lot to us.
Response from the owner:Your satisfaction is our reward. Thank you for the 5-star review!
Outstanding service! Juan R. Worked on 2 HVAC Units in our building. Professional, knowledgeable, thorough, respectful and explained everything. He is outstanding and provided exceptional service!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words, Jane! It was a pleasure assisting you and I'm glad I could help resolve the issue for you.
Jaime was very polite and informative. He did a thorough job. But I was not impressed with the heavy handed up sell. I just wanted my system tuned I didn’t want to buy new components. Also their marketing is gorilla style. 4 days after having service done they hit me up to service my system. I’m not a fan of Brody Pernell.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the high praise! We're glad you enjoyed our service.
Super impressed with their fast service and honest pricing . Got my AC running in no time . Great company 😃
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind review! Your satisfaction is our top priority.
Second time that I get them. Christian Flores was the technician. He did a maintenance check and fix some issues I had. I bought the maintenance plan from them. I highly recommend
Response from the owner:Thank you for trusting us with your HVAC needs, Alessandra! We appreciate your recommendation and are glad to hear that Shawn provided you with efficient service for both your A/C and heater.
Justin was very kind and helpful.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the glowing review! We're thrilled to hear that you're happy with our service.
I was so impressed with the professionalism and workmanship done by Rosendo and his team from Brody Pennell. They got our entire HVAC replaced within 3 days. Ashton, the supervisor, was available by phone or in person every step of the way. I would whole-heartedly recommend Brody Pennell to anyone, and would use them again for any needs that might come up.
Response from the owner:Your 5-star review made our day! Thanks for choosing us.
Matthew was the best! 11/10 stars. Super helpful, knowledgeable and just a cool dude!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words, Conner! It was a pleasure assisting you.
Anthony (service tech) was timely and efficient. He clearly explained the service for both units (including pictures), checked the ductwork and made recommendations to keep the system at peak level.
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your experience, DeAnna! We appreciate your feedback and are glad to hear that Daniel provided you with efficient service and clear explanations. We are here to help with any future needs you may have.
The service rep was very thorough and explained what he was going to do. We were very pleased with his thoroughness to clear out some clogged areas to help with our breathing problems.
Rene Morales was the best. He slipped covers on his shoes as he stepped into the house.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the perfect rating! We're pleased to know you had a great experience.
Brody Pennell serviced my AC unit today and Rene was great as always. Always in great spirits and professional.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words, Airika! We appreciate your continued support.
HVAC installation was done quickly and professionally!! They were on time and a pleasure to have around my home!
Response from the owner:We appreciate your 5-star rating! It's wonderful to know we met your expectations.
Pascual, Frank and Nico were very professional and hard working! They completed my HVAC on time and did a really nice job! I highly recommend them!!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind review! Your satisfaction is our top priority.
Brody Pennell serviced our AC unit in our condo today and they were excellent. Their technician was prompt, considerate and well qualified. I definitely recommend their service.
Response from the owner:We appreciate your 5-star rating! It's wonderful to know we met your expectations.
Jose Rivera was helpful, polite and clearly explained what he was doing.
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your experience with Jose! We're glad to hear that he was able to assist you with fixing the issue promptly and ensuring everything was working well for you.
Juan was very detailed oriented and took the time to explain things to me in a technical way that was easy to understand.
Response from the owner:We appreciate your feedback and the 5-star rating! It means a lot to us.
Today, Alberto M. from Brody Pennell came to provide annual maintenance to our HVAC system. His service was outstanding, he provided a super thorough explanation of all the work he did, and any potential recommendations for additional maintenance.

He took extensive photos that helped show the details of what was done and what might be needed down the line. I will definitely be calling Brody Pennell again for any HVAC maintenance or repair needs in the future.

Thanks again Alberto!
Response from the owner:We're delighted you had a great experience with us. Thanks for the 5-star review!
Very thorough and honest
Response from the owner:Thank you for the perfect rating! We're pleased to know you had a great experience.

Schedule Service

"*" indicates required fields

By clicking “Send Message”, I am providing express written consent to receive autodialed and pre-recorded calls, texts, and SMS/MMS with marketing communications from Brody Pennell regarding home services at the phone number provided above, even if the number is on a corporate, state, or national Do Not Call list. Consent is not a condition to purchase services or products.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.