When you are at home, you want the temperature to be cozy and comfortable. In the winter this can mean feeling toasty warm while winter rages outside. In the summer, this can mean feeling refreshed and cool inside even though it is hot and humid outside.

But how do you know if you have a problem with temperature control in your home? If you answer, “yes” to any of the following questions, you may have a temperature imbalance that needs attention:

• Do you notice hot and cold spots in certain areas of your home?
• Does the air in your home seem clammy in the summer but overly dry in the winter?
• Does the air in your bedroom feel too uncomfortable to sleep soundly? 

When the temperature in your home gets out of balance, it can affect the relative humidity, aggravating respiratory problems and generally making your cozy, comfortable atmosphere a distant memory. What causes temperature imbalances in your home and can you do something about them? Here are a few tips:

• Fix cracks and leaks around doors and windows.
• Make sure that storm windows are in good repair; they can help maintain inside temperatures.
• Take advantage of solar heat in the winter months and open the window blinds on clean, south-facing windows. But as soon as the sun goes down, close them to minimize heat loss.
• Humidifiers raise relative humidity so rooms feel more comfortable when it is cold outside.
• One wintry blast that hits your thermostat can kick on your furnace unnecessarily. Keep doors and windows closed as much as possible.
• Check your thermostat to be sure it is working properly. Keep in mind that programmable thermostats require a new battery every year.
• If possible, remove wall or window air conditioners during the winter. If you cannot remove the air conditioner, wrap it in an insulated, waterproof cover.
• Air conditioning and dehumidifiers reduce humidity levels and maintain a moderate temperature inside your home in summer.
• Minimize heat build-up inside your home by keeping south-facing windows closed and covered.