Understanding Temperature Imbalances in North Alabama Homes

You walk past your thermostat and it says 72 degrees. But your body disagrees—you’re sweating, sticky, and uncomfortable. So what gives?

At Clifford’s HVAC, we get this question often from homeowners in Huntsville, Madison, Decatur, Athens, and Arab:
“Why does it feel hotter than what my thermostat says?”

Let’s break down the most common causes behind this frustrating disconnect—and how to fix it so you stay cool and comfortable all summer long.

🌡️ 1. Poor Thermostat Placement

Where your thermostat is located matters more than you think. If it’s placed near:

• A sunny window

• A drafty vent

• A closed-off hallway

…it might be getting a false reading. That means your thermostat could think your house is 72°F, but your living space may be several degrees hotter.

Solution: Have our team evaluate your thermostat location. In some cases, we can relocate it to a more central, balanced spot—or install a smart thermostat with remote sensors that track temps in multiple rooms.

🔁 2. Uneven Air Distribution

If some rooms are cool while others feel like a sauna, your system may have:

• Blocked or undersized vents

• Leaky ductwork

• A poorly balanced HVAC system

This results in hot zones and cold zones that never feel consistent—no matter what the thermostat says.

Solution: We offer airflow diagnostics, duct balancing, and vent adjustments that even out temperature throughout your home. You’ll feel 72°F where it matters most—not just on the thermostat screen.

💧 3. High Indoor Humidity

Here in North Alabama, humidity is a huge factor in comfort. Even if the air is technically 72°F, excess moisture makes it feel warmer and stickier.

Signs of high humidity:

• Clammy skin

• Fogged windows

• Musty smells

• Allergy flare-ups

Solution: We can install a whole-home dehumidifier to help your AC work more efficiently and remove excess moisture from the air—making 72°F actually feel like 72°F.

🚫 4. Dirty Filters or Weak AC Performance

If your AC system is struggling to keep up—due to a clogged filter, refrigerant leak, or worn-out components—it may run longer without fully cooling your space.

This results in:

• Long runtimes

• Warm airflow

• Inconsistent comfort

• Higher energy bills

Solution: Schedule a summer system tune-up. Our technicians will inspect, clean, and optimize your system so it cools efficiently and keeps you comfortable.

📱 5. Your Thermostat Settings Might Be Working Against You

If your fan is set to “ON” instead of “AUTO,” it could be blowing warm air through your vents even when your system isn’t actively cooling. And if you haven’t updated your schedule or calibration recently, it might be off by a few degrees.

Solution: We can program or replace your thermostat with a smarter, more precise model that actually matches how you live.

🏠 Let’s Get Your Home Back to Comfortable

At Clifford’s HVAC, we don’t just repair air conditioners—we restore true comfort. If your home doesn’t feel right—even when your thermostat says it should—let us help you figure out why.

We serve homeowners throughout Huntsville, Madison, Athens, Decatur, Arab, and nearby areas with reliable diagnostics and solutions you can count on.