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Why is My Room So Cold? How to Keep Your House Warm This Winter

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Why is My Room So Cold? How to Keep Your House Warm This Winter Blog Feature
Amanda Emery

By: Amanda Emery on October 30th, 2024

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Ever wonder why one room in your house feels like the Arctic while the rest is comfortably cozy?

Whether it’s your master bedroom, a bathroom, or any space you avoid in winter, you’re not alone. Many homeowners experience this issue, and luckily, it’s something you can fix. 

By tackling these problem areas, you can keep your home warm, eliminate that annoying cold room, and make every corner of your space comfortable.

Here’s how to take control of those drafty, chilly rooms and keep your house warm this winter.

Step One: Check for Drafts Around Your Windows

The first step to tackle your cold room issue is to assess the windows.

Even if your room has no windows, this step will help you understand how significant a role they play in controlling temperature.

Listen and Feel for Air Leaks

Stand by your windows on a windy day.

Listen for any whistling sounds around the edges – this is often a clear sign that cold air is sneaking in. 

Next, use the back of your hand to feel around the window trim. Our palms can be less sensitive, so the back of your hand will pick up drafts more effectively. If you notice any cold air coming through, you’ve likely found a major culprit behind why one room in your house is so cold.

Why Window Sealing Matters

Unsealed or improperly sealed windows let the warm air you’re paying for escape while bringing in the cold air you want to keep out.

Over time, this can add up in heating costs and discomfort. Weatherstripping or even upgrading to insulated windows can help to keep your room consistently warm in the winter.

Step Two: Check Your HVAC System

Your home’s heating system is your best friend in winter, but if one room remains cold, there might be an HVAC issue to address.

Inspect Your Heat Registers

If your room has a heat register (or vent), take a closer look at it.

Make sure it’s open and unobstructed by furniture or curtains.

Sometimes, registers can get blocked by furniture or, in some cases, be accidentally closed, reducing heat flow into the room. If you don’t have a register in the room, it could be a reason why it’s not getting warm, and adding one might be something to consider.

Check for Proper Heat Flow

Put your hand over the register to test the airflow.

If it feels weak or barely warm, there could be an issue with the ductwork itself, like a disconnected duct or an obstruction within the duct. When airflow is poor, the room can’t heat up properly, and you end up with that one cold room in an otherwise warm house.

Regular HVAC maintenance can help ensure your system works efficiently throughout the home.

Everything you need to know about buying RetroFoam insulation. The essential foam insulation buying guide.

Step Three: Check Your Insulation

So, the windows are sealed, and your HVAC system is pushing heat into the room. But the room still feels like an icebox?

It’s time to consider insulation.

Why Insulation is Key for Comfort

Insulation acts as a barrier, keeping warm air inside and cold air out.

If your walls, especially exterior walls, aren’t well-insulated, heat will escape faster than your HVAC can replace it. The heat you pay for escapes through the walls, leaving the room cold and uncomfortable.

Insulation in your walls, ceilings, and floors can make a huge difference in your room’s temperature and comfort level.

RetroFoam: A Solution for Existing Homes

For existing homes, a product like RetroFoam injection foam insulation offers a practical solution.

This type of insulation is specifically designed for existing walls, allowing you to insulate without a costly remodel. Injection foam fills small gaps and cavities, creating a seamless barrier that keeps the warm air inside. This barrier, or building envelope, helps maintain a stable temperature throughout the room, making it the ideal fix for a persistently cold space.

How to Keep Your House Warm in the Winter

A cold room doesn’t have to stay that way.

Follow these steps to address window drafts, ensure proper heating, and improve insulation, making your home warm and comfortable for everyone. And if you’re ready to upgrade your insulation, RetroFoam dealers can help make it easy to improve your home’s energy efficiency without remodeling.

Don’t let one room keep you from enjoying your home this winter – take back control and keep your house warm and cozy all season long.

To find a RetroFoam dealer in your area, visit our website's Dealer Finder.

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About Amanda Emery

Amanda previously has worked as a breaking news and crime reporter, TV news producer, and editor. As a journalist, she has won several awards from The Society of Professional Journalists - Detroit Chapter and the Michigan Press Association. Amanda uses her experience as a journalist to write content that will help educate homeowners on foam insulation benefits. When Amanda isn’t writing, she’s spending time with her husband Chris, daughter Lilith-Maeve, and rescued huskies Danger and Wendigo. She also loves knitting, making art, and cooking.