Do you have an AC that cools your home’s main floor but not the second floor? Unequal cooling is a common yet frustrating problem we encounter when doing Wesley Chapel air conditioning repair. Beyond causing discomfort, a poorly air-conditioned upstairs can raise your energy bills. It might also lead to physical problems such as lack of sleep and increased allergies.
An AC not cooling upstairs makes perfect sense because warm air always rises, so you’re up against the laws of nature in trying to cool your second floor. But here’s the good news: there are many things you can do to sufficiently cool your upstairs, even during the hottest, muggiest days of summer.
Read on to learn why your AC isn’t sufficiently cooling your upstairs and how to correct each issue.
1. You Only Have One AC Unit or System
A ranch-style house usually needs just one HVAC unit or system as that type of house only has one floor. But a home with multiple floors may need more than one HVAC unit or system, along with several thermostats. Depending on your type of HVAC unit or system, you may need to invest in a second unit for your upstairs. The layout of your home also indicates the type of AC setup you need.
You may also want to think about installing a zoned system. This system allows different rooms, or “zones,” to heat and cool at varying levels. Therefore, people in other areas of the house can choose their preferred heating or cooling setting. Also, a zoning system enables you to turn off cooling in unused rooms to save both energy and money.
2. Your Unit Needs Maintenance
Have you had your AC system inspected recently? It’s good to have it looked at by a professional at least once a year. An HVAC inspector can identify and address the problems that might lead to an AC not cooling upstairs.
These problems include:
- Dirty air filters
- Irregular airflow
- Defective or clogged air ducts
- Malfunctioning blower fan
- Malfunctioning air compressor
- Leaking unit
- Overworked unit
3. Your Unit Is Out of Date
Of course, maintenance can only go so far in restoring an older AC system. Even a ten-year-old unit might be out of date for your home, especially if it requires more repairs. Luckily, there are countless new HVAC units and systems that work more efficiently and can successfully pump cool air to your second floor.
If you decide to replace your unit, consider ENERGY STAR-certified air conditioners. These air conditioners contain more insulating materials and use 8% less energy than other models—and they will help you save money over time. So, if your unit is between ten and fifteen years old or needs frequent repairs, it’s time to contact a technician and get advice on a new model.
4. Your Home Isn’t Sufficiently Heat-Proofed
The outfitting of your entire home can contribute to excessive heating upstairs. Correcting these problems can buffer against hot air and save you money on energy bills. Here are just a few examples of insufficient heat-proofing:
- Poor attic insulation and ventilation. A lot of heat can infiltrate your home through the attic, flowing into your upstairs floor and overheating it. Insulation traps heat in the attic and keeps it from sinking into the lower floors. Also, installing a fan in the attic can help circulate the air and further counteract the heat.
- An overheated roof. A roof with poor insulation or dark paint will soak up the heat and spread it to the below floors. Painting your roof white is one way to lessen this problem. You can also call a roofing company to see whether they add more insulation to your roof.
- Improperly set air vents. Sometimes, the simplest solution can tell you why your AC is not cooling enough. Look at the dampers on your vent to be sure they’re set up well for hot days. You can partially or completely close the dampers on the first-floor vents so they push more air to the vents on the second floor. After making that adjustment, you can open the return vents on the second floor so those vents take in warm air from the upstairs.
- Open or unshaded windows. Windows draw in a lot of heat, especially when it’s sunny outside. Just closing a few blinds—especially upstairs blinds—can reduce that heat and prevent overtaxing of your AC unit. Also, double-check that none of your windows are open or ajar.
- Lack of ventilation on the second floor. Adding electric floor or window fans to your upstairs will increase air circulation and help cool the area. You can maximize the placement of these fans by generating cross-breezes—have one fan facing a well-shaded window, then place another fan facing another window on the other side of the room to release the hot air outside.
- Heat-generating appliances. It’s wise not to undertake a long cooking or baking project when it’s hot outside. Ovens generate a ton of heat, so try to limit cooking on a scorching day or bust out the outdoor grill. It also pays to check that the exhaust fan on your refrigerator is clean and working well.
- Heat-generating bed sheets. Bedrooms tend to be on the second floor, so excessive heat upstairs can make it hard to sleep. Fortunately, you can purchase bed sheets containing heat-repellent materials such as cotton and linen to combat the heat.
If you’re tired of your AC not cooling upstairs, give ABS a call at 813-933-1000. They will send an HVAC technician to your home to examine your unit, advise on the proper placement of an AC unit, and more.
