Cold Room Investigations in Edmonton: Why Some Rooms Stay Cold and How We Diagnose Them

We often hear from home owners who have a room or area of their home that is consistently colder than the rest of their home.  Whether it is a bed room, dining nook or office, “cold rooms” are a common concern in Edmonton due to our punishing Alberta winters. The good news is that these issues are often diagnosable, and in many cases, correctable.

Why Every Investigation is Unique

At Admirable Inspection Services, we specialize in diagnosing cold rooms using building science, thermal imaging, and HVAC performance assessments—helping homeowners understand why the problem exists and what solutions actually make sense. Every investigation is different. Conditions, construction details and use of space all play a role, so recommendations are determined during the on-site assessment rather than assumed beforehand.

Our Cold Room Investigation Process

Construction Type vs. Expected Performance

It’s important to understand  what’s normal and what’s a deficiency. Not all rooms perform the same. We commonly see colder temperatures in:

• Rooms above garages
• Bonus rooms and spaces with vaulted or cathedral ceilings
• Home additions
• Rooms with large or older windows
• Rooms that are either partially or fully below grade

We assess whether the cooler conditions align with the expected performance of the room or if there is a deficiency.

Occupant Conditions and Room Use

Furniture placement, storage and room layout can block supply or return vents. We evaluate if the use and layout of the space may be interfering with proper airflow and heating performance.

Roomulation (Airflow and HVAC Balance)

Uneven temperatures are often caused by airflow issues. We assess airflow to determine whether the HVAC system is properly balanced and the system is supporting the space as designed.

Thermal Evaluation

We conduct a thermal assessment to identify cold spots, heat loss, or insulation issues. Thermal imaging allows us to see issues that are not evident during a visual inspection, such as insulation gaps, air leakage or compression. Where appropriate, a blower door may be used in conjunction with thermal imaging to help identify air leaks and pressure-related deficiencies within the building envelope. Learn more about our thermal imaging and building performance testing services.

According to Natural Resources Canada, air leakage is a leading cause of heat loss and comfort issues in Canadian homes, particularly during cold weather (source).

Calibrated Temperature and Humidity Readings

Even small differences (as little as 0.5°C) can significantly affect comfort. We measure temperature and humidity conditions and compare conditions throughout the home.

Report and Recommendations

We provide a clear summary of observations, contributing factors and actionable recommendations. Recommendations may include:

• Building envelope improvements
• Airflow adjustments
• Further targeted testing
• Confirmation that the current performance is within the expected limits based on the home’s construction.

When to Book a Cold Room Investigation in Edmonton

You will want to consider an investigation if:

• One room or area of your home is colder than the rest of your home.
• You are uncomfortable despite normal thermostat settings.
• You’re experiencing drafts or temperature swings.
• You’re planning insulation, HVAC or upgrades.

If you are dealing with one of these situations and want clear answers and a professional investigation to help you understand what’s happening and what your next steps are we are here to provide clarity.