Northeast Ohio heat waves can push temperatures into the 90s, making an efficient and effective AC system necessary for homeowners. However, those with two-story homes may struggle to experience the same powerful cooling in rooms on the upper floor. While some may worry this is an HVAC issue, you may experience this excess heat for a few other reasons.
In this article, the HVAC experts at Blind & Sons discuss five common causes of temperature inconsistency in two-story homes and offer tips for cooling these spaces properly.
Reasons Your Second Floor Might Be Hot
A hot second story doesn’t necessarily mean you have an HVAC issue. A few other factors could be causing the extra heat.
Ineffective Ductwork
Your ducts are responsible for delivering cooled air to both stories of your home. If the ductwork leading to the second story is leaky, poorly designed, or undersized, you may lose this cooled air before it enters the upstairs. This loss of pressure and cooling results in uneven temperatures throughout your home.
Poor Insulation
The insulation in your property acts as a thermal barrier between your home and the outside temperatures. If your space is poorly insulated, heat can enter and warm your indoor spaces more easily. This is particularly true for second-story homes that lack sufficient attic insulation. As the sun beats down on your roof, the air in your attic becomes hot, causing that excess heat to travel into the rooms of your second story.
Distance from HVAC
As cooled air makes its way through your ductwork, it can lose some air pressure and effectiveness. If rooms on your second floor are too far away from the HVAC system, the air will have to travel through a long run of ductwork, which may limit how much cooling it can provide to these spaces.
Rising Heat
Remember: Heat naturally rises. That means the heat in your home will travel to the second story, and if you don’t have proper ventilation, it can become trapped. This is often the result of a lack of venting in your attic. The space remains uncomfortably warm without proper airflow to circulate and expel that warm air.
Single System
Your AC system works by providing cooling until the thermostat senses that the desired temperature has been reached. If your two-story home has the thermostat downstairs, where the air is naturally cooler, it may signal your AC to turn off before your upstairs has the chance to reach that same ideal temperature.
How You Can Effectively Cool Your Second Floor
Looking for ways to cool your too-hot second floor this summer? The team at Blind & Sons recommends:
- Scheduling duct repairs for leaks and other issues.
- Increasing insulation in your attic and walls.
- Ensuring proper attic ventilation.
- Upgrading to a zoned cooling system.
- Using ceiling fans to increase airflow.
Call Blind & Sons for Reliable HVAC Services
Keep your Northeast Ohio home cool this summer with service from the team at Blind & Sons. As a longstanding provider of home services in the area, we bring over 80 years of industry experience from a team of highly trained experts who genuinely care. We’re committed to your total comfort and offer 24/7 emergency services with prompt response. Contact our team today for expert care backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Schedule HVAC services by calling Blind & Sons today.
