How Do I Reduce The Heat On The Second Floor?

by UGIHVAC on June 4, 2022 in

Cooling

Is the second floor of your house too hot? You are not alone in this. Many homes with a second story do not seem to get enough air conditioning during the hot summer months.

When the temperatures rise, it is not uncommon for your second story to be warmer than your first story. However, if the temperature is much higher than expected, it might be due to other factors.

Two story house in a warm summer setting

Cooling company professionals can help you determine why this is happening and make suggestions on what to do. UGI Heating, Cooling & Plumbing can assess your home and help determine possible causes and solutions to this problem.

When diagnosing the problem, heating company and cooling company experts will consider several things. They usually start with your HVAC unit and move on to other possible causes for high heat on your second floor.

Location and Efficiency of HVAC

If your HVAC unit is located on the first floor, it will have to work harder to cool the second floor. If the unit is old or inefficient, it may not deliver the proper amount of cold air. The number of rooms in your home can also influence the temperature inside.

Faulty ductwork

The ductwork in your house is responsible for distributing your air conditioning from one room to another. If your ductwork is too large, has leaks, or needs thorough cleaning, your rooms will not get the proper amount of cool air conditioning.

Roofing And Insufficient Insulation

Another feature of your home that may influence your second floor’s temperature is the roofing system and insulation. There is a high potential for heat transfer through your roof and to your second story if your house is in direct sunlight and absorbs the sun’s heat.

Possible Solutions

Any reputable HVAC company will suggest a few things to optimize the air conditioning flow to the second level of your home. You can do almost all of these things on your own with little to no help.

Change Your Filters. Many cooling company technicians recommend replacing the filter in your HVAC system every few months. This improves the efficiency of your HVAC system. When the air conditioner filter gets clogged, it reduces the quantity of air that can pass through it, which lowers the system's efficiency.
Close Dampers When Not in Use. Figure out where your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system is located. After that, determine where the ducts leading to the first floor are. A set of dampers is mounted on the ducts, where they may be opened and closed at various points. Close dampers in areas you don’t occupy frequently. This restricts the amount of air conditioning that travels to the first floor while increasing the amount of air conditioning that travels to the second.
Use The “On” Setting Instead of “Auto.” Sometimes your air conditioning is set to “Auto” by default. It will turn on when the system thinks it should. Instead of the default setting of auto, adjust the setting to "On" to enable your thermostat manually. By choosing this option, your HVAC system's blower fan will run as long as you want it to. Bear in mind that this may cause your HVAC system to use more energy.
Use Window Coverings During the Day. Sunlight is one of the most powerful influences on your home's temperature. When the sunlight enters the home, the temperature rises. One of the most effective methods to keep your house cool is to shut your drapes, curtains, or blinds.
Turn Off the Lights in Your Home. The amount of heat emitted by light bulbs can be more than you think. While light bulbs do not produce a large amount of heat, they can have a small impact on your home’s temperature. Every little bit counts! Turning off lights when you leave a room will help save energy and keep your home cool!
Install Ceiling Fans. When it comes to summer temperatures, ceiling fans in upstairs rooms can make a considerable impact. Fans help circulate air and increase the efficiency of your HVAC system.

Nearly all the solutions that we discussed in this article can be done easily on your own. That said, if you have tried all of these and still find your second story to be too hot, it may be time to call the professionals at UGI Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. We are an HVAC company that can help you get the most out of your HVAC system. Contact us today to set up an appointment for service!