Why Is The Upstairs Hotter Than The Basement?

Even as summer comes to a close, many parts of the country are still experiencing warm temperatures. For some, the heat can be a real source of discomfort. In a multilevel home, the upper levels are often at least 10 degrees warmer than the lower levels. Because heat rises, it tends to get trapped on the upstairs areas of a home, making those rooms places people would rather avoid in the warmer months. However, this is a problem that can easily be remedied.

A zone system

One solution to this uneven cooling is to install a zone system air conditioner in your home. Zone systems use electronically controlled dampers and multiple thermostats to balance the temperature in the home. The thermometers regularly take readings of the temperatures in their zone and adjust the dampers in the room as needed. It prevents basements from being too cold and upper levels from getting overheated. It also allows homeowners to customize the feel of each room in their property.

Ductless mini-split air conditioners are another solution

Another option is to install a ductless mini-split system in the area in the house that is not cooling properly. Ductless mini-split systems work by drawing in air through an outdoor condenser. That air is then cooled via the refrigerant coil in the system and distributed into the room. Ductless mini-split systems usually only have the capacity to cool a small space, making them an excellent solution to a warm upstairs. Homeowners can install these systems in rooms on the upper levels of their homes to counteract the overheating issues.

Still not fixed? Call in a professional

If neither the zone system or the ductless mini-split help with the unbalanced cooling in your home, it is time to call in a HVAC specialist. These professionals are trained to identify the underlying problem in your home’s cooling system. They can also offer a solution and make the repairs for you should you wish. Some of the most common issues specialists state when addressing overly warm upper levels can be found below:

Not enough attic insulation: Without insulation, the cooled air leaks out of the home and is wasted. If you have tried the two solutions above and are still experiencing an overly warm upstairs, it may be because your attic is not properly insulated.
Leaking air ducts: While a ductless mini-split system will not be affected by leaking ducts, a zone system or traditional air conditioning system could be. An HVAC specialist will be able to recognize leaking ducts and repair them.
Blocked soffit vents: These vents provide extra ventilation in the attic that can reduce moisture and heat buildup in the summer. If the soffit vents are blocked the heat is trapped, causing the uncomfortable temperature issues in your home. An HVAC specialist can assist in clearing these blocked vents and restoring the normal flow of ventilation to your attic.

Everyone should feel comfortable in their home during the summer, no matter if they are upstairs or downstairs. By addressing the problems listed above or by following one of the solutions in this article, you can keep your home at a temperature that you find suitable. If you would like further advice on your home’s air conditioning, you can contact a professional at SMO Energy today.

Don’t waste any more time being uncomfortable in your home. Schedule your free energy consultation today to find out how to save on energy costs in your home.