Homemadebklyn is reader-supported. When you buy via the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.

How to cool upstairs of a 2-story home

Are you one of those people who really feel hot living in a 2-story home? Have you thought of finding an effective solution to this problem so as to make your summer days easy-breezy and cool? If you could relate to either of the questions, then fret not, we have got you covered.

As the summery season comes nearer, people living in a 2-story home usually start getting anxious because of the inconsistent home cooling issue. But hang on! This guide on how to cool upstairs of a 2-story home will solve all of your woes and give you a peace of mind.

So, if you are all set to keep your entire home cool on an even basis, especially the second story, then continue reading this intriguing post. Trust me, you’ll be surprised to see the amazing change in your home temperature.

What leads to this issue?

Though it is always a good option to contact an HVAC expert for knowing the cause of this problem, but there are a few general reasons that can make your 2-story accommodation hot.

Hot Air

The most obvious reason is hot air that your HVAC system has to push out in order to allow the circulation of cool air in the room. And when the system is installed on the first floor, then you know who to blame, right? Moreover, it becomes more of a challenge for the system to circulate cool air to the second story.

A few factors that determine how much your HVAC unit needs to work for cooling your second story include the number of rooms your home has, the age of your HVAC system, and any additional equipment your system requires.

Roof exposed to heat

It can be possible that your second story is hot because your roof is directly exposed to heat or sun. It ultimately reaches your second floor, thereby, making it hotter at high temperatures. However, this might not be the case if you have covered your roof smartly so as to protect it from the sun.

Ductwork, and Insulation Factors

Ducts, when properly installed, regulate cool air throughout your home. In case, your duct needs to replaced or is not working properly, then it will make more difficult for your HVAC system to keep your accommodation cool. Or, it can be because of your ductwork being unable to reach the second story.

Tips to lower second story’s temperature

When you turn on your HVAC system for reducing the temperature, and still have that ‘baked’ feeling in your 2-story home, then here are a few handy tips you need to follow:

  • Modify your filters

Filters are the first source that allows proper circulation of air in different areas of your home, be it the first story or the second one. So, ensure to check if your filters are dirty, or need to be replaced. Spending some time regularly in cleaning them will save you from major investment in a new system.

  • Change your fan’s settings from ‘Auto’ to ‘On’

You will find this setting in almost every thermostat, and all you need to do is change the settings from ‘auto’ to ‘on’. When in ‘auto’ mode, the fan only functions when the outdoor system is actually cooling the home.

Keeping your fan on helps in easy circulation of air, even if the cooling mechanism of the system takes a pause. However, by doing this, you may see a hike of $5-$20 in your utility bill.

Ventless air conditioner, generally referred to as portable evaporative cooler, works for all rooms irrespective of their sizes, and works well without a window. It is easy to install and can be conveniently moved from one story to another.

  • Opt for a floor or ceiling fan

No matter if you have a window AC system or a central air conditioning unit, if you have positioned a floor fan at the right place, then you can bid goodbye to increasing temperatures, especially at the second story.

By installing one at your home, you can feel an even and fast circulation of cool air in your entire home. Also, ceiling fans serve the same purpose, and using either of these systems can allow you to focus on the sections that require more cool air than others.

They will avoid warm air to stay in your room, and will further require less energy of your air conditioner to function properly.

  • Inspect if your air ducts have a leakage

If your duct system has an air leakage issue, then there are chances that a specific location or area may not be receiving an adequate amount of cool air. This, ultimately, increases the work of your central air conditioner as it needs to make up for the missing air.

In such situations, you can ask an expert to inspect your ducts and check if air leakage is the real culprit for hot temperatures in the second story.

  • Instill more insulation in the attic

If your attic is effectively insulated, it will keep the inside temperature cool, and keep warm air outside. Also, it will avoid any unwanted moisture to reach the second story and keep it warm.

You can add insulation by setting up either an attic fan or attic vents. You may ask experts to help you choose either or both of the options, and up your cooling game.

  • Invest in an individual thermostat on second story

Having just one thermostat for your whole house might not give you a clear picture of the temperature on different floors. Installing one more thermostat on the second story will provide you with a correct reading of temperature therein.

Conclusion

From checking air leakage to getting another thermostat for regulating temperatures are some of the tips that you can use for keeping your second story cool even in high temperature. In case, you still need some guidance, then getting an opinion from a certified HVAC expert would be the right bet.

Do you have some more related tips to share with the readers? Which one is your favorite, or which one you’ll be trying soon to cope up with uneven temperature? If yes, then share with us in the comments section below.

0 Shares
Tweet
Pin
Share