You turn up the thermostat.
The heat kicks on.
But your home still feels… drafty.
If you live in Counce, Pickwick, Savannah, Hardin County, Corinth, MS, or anywhere in North Mississippi, this is a common winter complaint. And the frustrating part? Your HVAC system may be working exactly as it should.
So why does your house still feel cold?
Let’s break down the real reasons homes feel drafty — even when the heat is running.
1️⃣ Air Leaks Around Windows & Doors
One of the biggest culprits is simple air leakage.
Small gaps around:
Window frames
Door thresholds
Weatherstripping
Attic access panels
…allow cold outdoor air to enter and warm air to escape.
Even minor leaks can create noticeable drafts, especially during winter cold snaps in West Tennessee and North Mississippi.
2️⃣ Poor or Aging Insulation
Insulation acts as your home’s thermal barrier. Without enough of it — or if it’s settled over time — heat escapes quickly.
Common problem areas include:
Attics
Crawl spaces
Exterior walls
Garages
Homes throughout Hardin County and Corinth, MS, particularly older homes, often lack modern insulation standards.
3️⃣ Leaky Ductwork
Your HVAC system may be producing warm air — but if your ducts are leaking in the attic or crawl space, that heat may never reach your living space.
Duct leaks can cause:
Uneven temperatures
Cold rooms
Higher energy bills
Longer run times
In some homes, up to 20–30% of heated air can be lost before it reaches the vents.
4️⃣ Pressure Imbalances in the Home
Drafts aren’t always about temperature — sometimes they’re about air pressure.
When your HVAC system runs, it can create pressure differences that pull cold air inside through small gaps in the home’s structure.
You may notice:
Drafts near outlets
Air movement near baseboards
Whistling around doors
This is especially common during windy winter days in North Mississippi.
5️⃣ Thermostat Location
If your thermostat is:
Near a draft
Close to a return vent
Positioned in a hallway away from living spaces
…it may be reading a different temperature than what you’re feeling. That can lead to comfort inconsistencies.
6️⃣ Aging or Undersized HVAC Systems
Sometimes the system itself is the issue.
An older or undersized system may:
Struggle during cold snaps
Run constantly without fully heating the home
Rely heavily on auxiliary heat
If your system is over 10–15 years old, comfort issues may point toward efficiency decline rather than simple drafts.
How to Reduce Drafty Comfort
Start with these steps:
✔ Replace weatherstripping
✔ Seal visible gaps
✔ Replace dirty air filters
✔ Schedule HVAC maintenance
✔ Consider a duct inspection
✔ Evaluate attic insulation
A whole-home efficiency evaluation often reveals where heat is escaping.
When to Call Harbin Heating & Air Conditioning
If your home feels drafty even with the heat running, it may be more than just cold weather.
📞 Call Harbin Heating & Air Conditioning — 731-689-3651
📍 Serving Counce, Pickwick, Savannah, Hardin County, Corinth, MS, and North Mississippi
We’ll assess airflow, duct performance, insulation concerns, and system efficiency to help restore consistent comfort.
Winter drafts aren’t always about turning the thermostat higher.
Sometimes, it’s about stopping the heat from escaping in the first place.
