Stepping into an air conditioned room during summer always feels great. However, many homeowners often deal with overheating on second floors. Your house’s second floor can get hot for several different reasons that can cause significant discomfort, and finding a solution is crucial during the hot Ontario summers.
Common Reasons Why Your Second Floor Gets Hot
Uneven heating is a common comfort hurdle in most story houses. While central air conditioning might help, your home might have warmer areas than others. Here are common reasons that might lead to a hotter second floor.
Hot Air
Hot air usually rises, meaning that your HVAC unit needs to work harder to distribute cool air upwards. This experience is especially true for houses with only an air conditioner on the first floor. The floor’s airflow may also suffer if there are few windows up there. Working with a professional HVAC expert can help you learn how to push air conditioning upwards with ease.
Hot Roof
Your roof can also contribute to a hot second floor. Radiant heat can spread into your house’s upper levels from the top. If the roof doesn’t deflect heat, it will travel into your second floor and make it difficult for your HVAC to cool this floor. Also, a faulty attic, which should hold the hot air, might contribute to excess heating on the second floor.
Poor Sealing and Insulation
If you have faulty sealing, insulation, and ventilation systems, your second floor might get hot. When gaps accumulate in your home’s structure, your air conditioning might not work as well as it should. Improper insulation and ventilation lead to inadequate airflow, impairing the work of your HVAC system.
Faulty Ductwork
Cool air from your HVAC usually travels through ducts to get to other house parts. Poorly installed or leaking ducts won’t efficiently spread cool air to your second floor.
Keep your air conditioner working in top condition with AC maintenance from Cedarwood Heating & Cooling. Contact us today to learn more about our maintenance plans.
How to Cool Down your Second Floor
If you constantly have to deal with an overheating second floor, you might need to learn how to balance heat in a two-story house. Here are some ways to cool down the second floor.
Redirect Airflow
Do you have a basement? Then, place your HVAC dampers on the first-floor ducts and close them halfway down. Be sure also to upgrade your AC system to accommodate the second floor space.
Insulate the Attic
A well-insulated attic minimizes the heat that gets to your second floor from the roof. Also, consider investing in an attic fan that eases air circulation, reducing hot airflow to your second floor. Sealing and insulating your attic correctly ensures that hot air from the roof doesn’t leak to the second story of your home.
Change Filters
It is always a good idea to check your air filters, given that clogged filters will impair airflow in the duct. Clean and replace your filters regularly to minimize airflow restrictions.
Insulate Windows and Turn on the Thermostat
Seal all window cracks to prevent seepage. Ensure that your HVAC system’s blower constantly runs to mix air evenly throughout your house.
Find Help from HVAC Professionals
Is the cool air from your AC not reaching upstairs? Work with a certified HVAC technician from Cedarwood to evaluate your second floor’s condition and offer lasting solutions to the cooling problem. Contact us today.
