Why Is The Second Floor Hotter Than The First?

Remember when you were in science class as a kid, and you learned hot air rises? Maybe you tested the theory hot with heat and a mini air balloon.

That same concept can help you understand your HVAC system a little more.

On a hot summer day, heat may enter your home in a variety of ways. But once it’s in, it rises up to the top and settles in. That’s why the bedrooms upstairs are often the hottest rooms in the home.

While the cause may be an underperforming HVAC system, there are other reasons this happens.

Your air conditioner – the first place to look is always with your equipment. How efficient is your air conditioner? The average lifespan of an air conditioner is 15 to 20 years. Every year it’s in use, it loses some of its efficiency. If your upstairs seems even hotter than in previous years, it might be that the equipment can no longer keep up with demand. The closer you get to the end of the lifespan, the more you should consider investing in new equipment. Not only will it be better at doing its job, but it will also be more efficient with the latest technology.

Your ducts – when your HVAC system was installed as your home was being built, the ductwork was designed to snake through every room in the home. That’s a lot of twists and turns to reach throughout your home, especially if you have a large multi-level home. While joints were bolted together and tightly sealed, every time your HVAC system operates, it rattles, shakes, and shimmies as the air supply moves through. Ductwork isn’t meant to last forever. As air escapes from these cracks and leaks, it means less conditioned air makes its way to your upstairs rooms.

Changing landscape – let’s face it, homes across the Front Range don’t have a lot of protection from the elements. Did you lose a large tree in a recent storm? Does the glaring sun penetrate your home all day long? That can impact how efficient your air conditioner operates, especially as it ages.

Your attic – hot air rises. That means it settles in your home’s attic. That’s why your attic’s insulation is important, as it acts as a barrier to protect your home from heat absorption and loss. Depending on how old your home is, it may not be properly insulated. Keep in mind that insulation can degrade over time, meaning you’ll have to upgrade from time to time to add to your home’s efficiency.

Tired of buying fans and doing anything to make your home a little cooler on the hottest days of the year? Is your second floor hotter than the first, no matter what you do? Maybe it’s time for an inspection. We can evaluate your system and show you where you can make your biggest impact with long-lasting impact. Schedule your visit today.