4 Tips to Improve Cooling in a Two-Story Home
We all know that heat rises. So, it comes as no surprise that north Florida and south Georgia residents living in two-story homes are beginning to feel the heat on their second floor.
You don’t have to compromise your comfort this summer if you act now to improve uneven heating and cooling on every floor of your home.
Use a Zoned System
By working with an experienced HVAC technician, you can design a personalized home comfort system that best fits your needs.
A zoned HVAC system is a cost-effective solution to dual air systems that need separate heat pumps and air conditioners. To install a zoned system, an HVAC technician will divide your home into at least two heating and cooling areas—in this case, your first and second story. This will provide homeowners with the ability to individually control temperatures in each zone.
Use Your Air Vents to Redirect and Improve Air Flow
If your air vents and registers are blocked by furniture or have debris build-up, they can contribute to uneven cooling in your home. Removing visible dust from your vents will help air flow be properly distributed.
Another trick for keeping your upstairs cool is redirecting the airflow from your vents from the first to the second floor of your home. By closing your first-floor register vents some, you can help push more air to the second floor.
Ensure Your Attic is Properly Insulated
Your attic insulation plays a vital role in maintaining consistent temperatures throughout your home.
Proper attic insulation provides a barrier between the outdoor climate and your home—so high temperatures most often impact your attic and second floor. Because your insulation serves the dual purpose of keeping your cool air in and hot air out, if you lack the optimal amount of insulation, hot air will seep into your home.
Check Your Air Ducts
The ducts in your home are responsible for taking cool air from your HVAC system and distributing it throughout all floors. When you have faulty ductwork that is leaking or too old, your HVAC unit has to work harder to cool your home—typically resulting in uneven cooling. You should also ask your HVAC specialist to check that you have an adequate amount of ductwork for the size of your home.
Another common ductwork design problem that contributes to uneven cooling and inefficiency of your HVAC unit arises when a home is lacking the adequate amount of supply or return vents. This will cause the pressure inside your ducts to be thrown off balance and the rooms in your home to be less comfortable. Be sure to work with a contractor who will take your home’s unique airflow needs into consideration before the installation of your heating and cooling system.
If you have any questions about improving comfort on the second floor of your home, speak with one of our expert home comfort specialists today at 850-580-4029 or 229-495-6599.
