3 Reasons Your Upstairs Is Hotter Than Downstairs
When it comes to multi-level homes, it's not unheard for the downstairs to be colder than the upstairs. However, the differences should not be so stark that it feels like winter in one area and summer in another. If your upstairs is significantly warmer than the rest of your house, there might be an underlying problem that deserves the blame.
Failing Insulation
When it's warm outside, it's natural for some of the heat to penetrate through your exterior walls and even the roof. The process of the heat absorption is called heat gain. In a home with good insulation, much of the heat is absorbed before it reaches the living spaces.
But if the insulation is failing, the heat penetrates through the insulation and warms up the house. The upstairs is the closest area to your roof. So, if the insulation in your attic is damaged or just past its lifespan, it's only natural that the upstairs will feel warmer than the rest of the house.
Too Small of a Unit
If you were to sit and think about your life when you first purchased your home, it's probably entirely different now. Does your home reflect these changes? Over the years, people add on to their house and perform all other sorts of updates, but they sometimes forget about their air conditioning unit.
If you have added on to your home, but you have not purchased a larger A/C unit, the reason for the increased temperatures upstairs could be that the unit is too small. If you have had the system for several years, have a technician come out and calculate your home's cooling needs to determine if the unit is appropriately sized.
Duct Leak
Before you feel the cold air blowing on you, it must go through a tunnel system of sorts known as air ducts. While sometimes overlooked, the air ducts play one of the more critical roles when it comes to keeping a house cool.
For example, if the ducts have a leak, some of the cooled air could seep out before it makes its way through your vents. If there happens to be a leak in a duct in the upstairs area of your home, this problem could be the reason for the temperature imbalance you're experiencing.
There is no need for you to be uncomfortable in your home. If you suspect a problem with your home's HVAC system, make sure you reach out to a trusted technician for assistance. For more information, contact a company like Reid’s AC & Heat.