Warming Up A Cold Bedroom: Quick, Easy Solutions

A cold bedroom can be uncomfortable and annoying, but there are several ways to fix this issue. Firstly, it is important to check for simple problems such as dirty or blocked vents, which can be resolved by cleaning or rearranging furniture. Secondly, testing the thermostat and insulation is crucial, as faulty readings or inadequate insulation can lead to cold rooms. Thirdly, ductwork should be inspected for cracks or leaks, which can be sealed with gap-sealant products. Additionally, windows and doors should be checked for drafts, and if present, rubber sealing strips or insulation film can be applied. Finally, other potential sources of cold air include the fireplace, attic, basement, or recessed bookshelves, which may require additional insulation.

Check for blocked vents and rearrange furniture

If you have a cold bedroom, it's worth checking for blocked vents and rearranging your furniture. Blocked vents are one of the most common reasons for a cold room.

First, check if any of your vents are covered by heavy furniture or other items. If so, simply move these obstructions away from the vents to allow for better airflow.

Next, examine the outer grates of the vents for signs of dust or gunk buildup. If the grates are dirty, clean them. If they appear clear, remove the duct cover to inspect the inner vent. If the inner vent is lined with dirt, this could be the source of the problem.

If you discover rodent droppings or a rodent carcass inside the vent, you have an infestation and should contact an exterminator immediately. For a deeper inspection, use a flashlight or your smartphone to take photos inside the vents.

In addition to checking for blocked vents, you may need to rearrange your furniture to ensure it's not obstructing airflow. Move any large items of furniture or rugs that might be blocking the vents or restricting airflow in the room.

By checking for blocked vents and rearranging your furniture, you can help improve airflow and address a cold bedroom.

Test the thermostat

If your bedroom is colder than the rest of your house, you should test the thermostat to ensure it is working correctly. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the thermometer

Tape a thermometer to the wall next to the thermostat reader. Make sure the thermometer is at the same height as the thermostat and that there is a paper towel behind it to prevent the transfer of hot or cold wall temperatures. The purpose of the paper towel is to determine the room temperature.

Step 2: Wait 15 minutes

Leave the thermometer in place for 15 minutes. This will give the thermometer enough time to accurately measure the room temperature.

Step 3: Compare the readings

After 15 minutes, check the two readings. Compare the temperature shown on the thermometer with the temperature reading on the thermostat. If the difference between the two readings is more than one degree, your thermostat may be faulty.

Step 4: Take action

If you suspect that your thermostat is faulty, you may need to clean it, replace the batteries, or check your HVAC power circuits. If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may need to consider replacing the thermostat.

Testing the thermostat is an important step in troubleshooting a cold bedroom. By ensuring that the thermostat is functioning correctly, you can make informed decisions about any necessary adjustments or repairs.

Insulate the walls

Insulating the walls is a great way to fix a cold bedroom. There are several ways to do this, and the best method for your home will depend on the specific issues you're facing.

One way to insulate your walls is to use spray foam insulation. This method involves filling the wall cavities with spray foam, which expands to fill small gaps and enclosed spaces. Spray foam insulation is typically non-intrusive and can be easily cut away if needed.

Another option is to use insulated siding, which can enhance the thermal performance of your exterior walls. This option may be more expensive and require professional installation, but it can provide a long-term solution to your cold bedroom issues.

If your bedroom is located upstairs, it's possible that there is no heat duct running from the furnace to that room, or it may be closed off. In this case, you can simply have a heat line run up to the bedroom. The complexity of this will depend on your HVAC system and how your house is finished. If your HVAC runs through your attic, it may be a straightforward fix. However, if the heat line runs through walls, you may need to open up drywall or cut into floors.

Additionally, it's important to check for any leaks or drafts in your bedroom, as these can also contribute to the cold temperature. Make sure to seal any gaps or cracks in the walls, especially around electrical outlets, switches, and plumbing penetrations. You can use expanding foam or caulk to fill in these gaps and create a tighter seal.

By combining these insulation methods and sealing any leaks, you can effectively insulate your bedroom walls and create a warmer and more comfortable space.

Seal windows and doors

If you're looking to fix a cold bedroom, one of the first things you should do is check your windows and doors for drafts. This is a simple and cost-effective way to prevent cold air from coming in and warm air from escaping.

Apply Rubber Sealing to Windows

If your windows are leaking air, this could be putting a strain on your heating and your bills. To check for a leak, carefully flick a lighter or hold a lit candle along the edges of your windows. If the flame blows sideways, you have a leaky window. To fix this, cut rubber sealing strips to size and apply them along the edges of the window pane.

Consider Glass Insulation Film

Another way to fix a leaky window is to reinforce the glass with an insulation film. This adheres to the window pane, making the glass stronger and the seals more airtight. Insulation film can be bought from most hardware stores and is applied with a hairdryer.

Tighten Door Hinges

A loose upper hinge could be the reason for a draft coming in through your front door. To check for a draft, run your hand up and down the vertical sides of the closed door from the inside, or try the candle trick. If you feel a draft or the flame blows sideways, tighten the upper hinge and retest. If there is still a draft, apply weather stripping along the sides of the door.

Install or Replace a Door Sweep

If there is a gap between the bottom of your front door and the threshold, cold air can easily come inside. To check for a gap, look for light coming in from outside or feel for a draft with your feet. If there is a gap, it might be time to replace the door sweep. Measure the width of your door and select a new sweep to fit.

Replace the Door Stripping

The stripping along your door jambs can get damaged over time, creating cracks that let drafts into your home. Inspect the stripping for cracks and replace if necessary. Measure the length and width of the door, remove the old stripping, and apply the new stripping tightly along the top, then from top to bottom within the grooves of the vertical jambs.

Install a duct booster fan

If you have a room that is too cold in the winter and too hot in the summer, a duct booster fan can help make the room more comfortable. There are three types of duct boosters available: a fan unit that sits on top of the register, an in-line fan installed in the duct line, and a recessed fan that fits into the duct and sits flush with the floor.

If your duct is a standard size, you can simply remove the register and drop the fan into the boot, securing it to the floor with screws on each side. Plug the power cord into the fan and route it to the nearest receptacle. You can also add an optional fan speed controller to adjust the airflow to your liking.

However, if your duct is smaller than the standard size, you will need to cut out a section of the floor and install a larger boot. If the ceiling below the duct is open, you can do most of the work from below. Alternatively, if you have a finished floor and ceiling, it may be easier to open the ceiling below the duct and patch it when you're done.

Step 1: Choose the Right Fan

Select the type of duct booster fan that best suits your needs and the layout of your room. Consider factors such as the size of your floor duct, accessibility, and your confidence in your DIY skills.

Step 2: Prepare the Duct

If your duct is a standard size, simply remove the register. If your duct is smaller than standard, you will need to cut an access panel and remove the old duct boot. Purchase and install a larger right-angle boot that matches the size of your new booster fan.

Step 3: Install the Fan

For standard-sized ducts, drop the fan into the boot and secure it to the floor with screws. For smaller ducts, after installing the larger boot, insert the fan into the duct, then install the register and cord.

Step 4: Power the Fan

Plug the power cord into the fan and route it to the nearest receptacle. You can also add an optional fan speed controller to adjust the airflow to your liking.

Step 5: Test the Fan

Turn on the power and test the fan's airflow and on-off switch. Ensure that the fan does not make rattling noises when running at high speeds.

By following these steps, you can effectively install a duct booster fan to improve the comfort of your bedroom and create a more pleasant environment during both hot and cold seasons.

Frequently asked questions