Have you ever noticed that the second floor of your home is always warmer than the main level? The fact that heat moves to the upper part of your home is due to one of the basic laws of physics–heat rises. This is a struggle homeowners across the country face during the summer.
In this post, heating and air conditioning service provider, Albert Air Inc., discusses some common reasons why your home’s upper floors get too hot, and helpful tips for keeping your home cooler.
Heat rises. Blame physics: hot air rises while cold air sinks. This means your upstairs typically gets hotter than the lower levels, even if your air conditioner is running on overdrive.
Hot roof. Unless you have shady tree cover, your roof absorbs a ton of heat from the sun. That hot air seeps into your attic before settling on your top floor. If you don’t have attic space as a buffer from the heat or your roof isn’t well-insulated, your upstairs space will automatically feel hotter.
Faulty ductwork. Ducts absorb cool air from your HVAC system and distribute it throughout your house. If your ducts are old or installed poorly, then your air conditioner may struggle to evenly cool your home.
Home zoning system. Single-zone systems are separate AC units that heat or cool a single area in your house. You may want to consider switching to multi-zone air conditioning, which lets you control the temperature in several different rooms or zones.
Block the sun. Close your blinds and shades to block excessive light and ultraviolet rays. You can even try heat-blocking shades or UV blocking film. Be sure to seal all cracks, holes and gaps around windows to prevent air leaks.
Check your furnace filter. If your filter is dirty, it will restrict the air from being properly distributed around your house and ultimately make your HVAC system work harder than it needs to. Check for “air conditioning repair service providers near me” to find an HVAC cleaning service.
Insulate and ventilate. An attic fan can help circulate air and limit the amount of hot air lingering on your second floor. You may want to try air sealing your attic to stop heat from getting in.
Consider adding a ductless HVAC system. Ductless HVAC units are a great way to control the temperature in a specific area of your home. Talk to your local AC provider about upgrading to a larger HVAC system or adding a second system upstairs.
Albert Air Inc. isn’t just an expert at HVAC repair: you can also count on us for a hassle-free installation experience. As a Carrier Factory-Authorized Dealer, we ensure timely, efficient workmanship that doesn’t compromise quality.
Call us today at (714) 248-0238 or fill out our online form to get a free estimate and schedule your consultation.