It's one of the most common complaints in two-story homes: the bedrooms upstairs are stuffy, the living room is cold, and one thermostat can't please both floors.
Why it happens
- Warm air rises, and the upstairs sits under a hot roof.
- The thermostat is usually downstairs, so it stops once downstairs is comfortable.
- Upstairs ducts are often long runs through a hot attic, and may be too small or leaky.
The fixes
Zoning
A zone system puts a thermostat on each floor and motorized dampers in the ducts, so the system sends air where it's needed. We install zone systems, and they often fix the problem without new equipment.
Duct changes
Sealing leaks, adding or resizing upstairs runs, and adding a return upstairs can make a big difference on their own.
A ductless unit
For one problem room or a bonus room, a ductless wall unit gives it its own heating and cooling.
Variable-speed equipment
When it's time to replace, variable-speed systems run longer at low speed, which evens out temperatures across a house.
What not to do
Closing vents downstairs to push air upstairs usually backfires: it raises pressure in the ducts, makes the system work harder and can freeze the coil.
To see what would work in your home, send us a message or call 805-965-6326.
Related
More tips on cooling.