Why some rooms stay uncomfortable — and what's usually causing it in DC-area homes.
If certain rooms in your home are always too hot or too cold, or if airflow from vents feels weak, the problem usually isn't your HVAC unit — it's how air moves through your house.
This is especially common in Prince George's County, where housing stock ranges from 1950s-era homes with original ductwork to newer townhomes with compact mechanical systems.
Many homes in Hyattsville, Suitland, Capitol Heights, and older parts of Bowie were built when HVAC design standards were different. Ductwork was often undersized, poorly sealed, or routed through unconditioned spaces like crawlspaces and attics.
Over decades, these systems develop problems:
These symptoms often get blamed on the HVAC unit itself, but replacing the unit won't fix duct problems — it'll just be limited by them.
If you've checked the basics and the problem persists, the issue is likely in the duct system itself — something that requires professional evaluation.
A qualified technician can:
In older PG County homes, duct work is often the limiting factor — not the equipment.
Airflow problems are frustrating because they're invisible. The thermostat says one thing, but the rooms tell a different story. In most cases, the issue is in the duct system — and addressing it can make a bigger difference than upgrading equipment.
Need help with airflow issues in your Prince George's County home? Call 866-993-3239 to speak with a local HVAC professional.