I've got a central AC system that keeps most of my house nice and cool, typically around 72 degrees on the thermostat. However, my bedroom gets pretty stuffy and warm at night, especially since I always keep the door closed. When the door is cracked open, the temperature feels much better, which makes me think there's an airflow issue. My bedroom only has a supply vent that's fully open but no return vent. The thermostat is positioned in the hallway, so it doesn't account for the heat in my room. I've tried a few things like keeping the vent open, partially closing vents in other cooler rooms, and using a fan, but it's still uncomfortable at night. I'm considering a few solutions like a vent booster fan, an under-door vent for better airflow, a smart thermostat with a bedroom sensor, or even a small portable AC for nights. What are the easiest and cheapest solutions that anyone has tried?
3 Answers
It sounds like your main issue is the lack of a return vent in your bedroom. When you close the door, you're blocking airflow, and there’s nowhere for the air to escape, creating a kind of pressure in there. A vent in the door or a vent booster could help. But honestly, for a long-term solution, adding a return vent is the best way to go, though it's more expensive. Alternatively, keeping the door cracked open is a very simple fix if it doesn’t bother you too much!
Honestly, just keeping the door open seems to do the trick! That’s how it works in most houses: the air has to circulate, so closing the door cuts off that airflow. If you're looking for other options, a window unit could be a good backup plan, or you might want to consider that door vent idea. There are some cool low-profile designs out there!
Installing a smart thermostat with a bedroom sensor is a great idea! I’ve used one before and it worked wonders, but just keep in mind that it might cool the hallway too much. If you can manage it, try balancing the airflow by keeping the door open slightly at night; that's often the simplest solution. Just be cautious about how much outside noise you might let in!