Uneven heating and cooling is a common problem in two-story homes, causing the upper floor to feel much hotter than the downstairs area.
Read on to find out why this problem occurs and what an HVAC repair contractor can do about it.
What Causes This Problem?
Various factors can affect how hard your HVAC unit has to work to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. These include the number of rooms in the house, the age of the HVAC system and its heating and cooling capabilities.
You won’t get sufficient airflow if you have the wrong size of ductwork or HVAC unit for your home. This will also affect the balance of heating and cooling in your indoor spaces, and could ultimately cause long-term damage to your HVAC system. In the cold months of winter, an improperly-sized system can even result in frozen evaporator coils.
In addition, insulation affects your home’s ability to retain heated or cooled air. Poorly-insulated areas require more energy to heat or cool the space, resulting in higher utility costs.
How to Fix the Problem
Regular HVAC maintenance ensures that your system runs smoothly year-round. Dirty filters will limit airflow throughout your home, so clean or replace them as often as necessary. At Dittmer Air and Heat, we offer quality maintenance plans to help you preserve your heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems.
Adequate attic insulation will aid in reducing the heat that reaches the second floor, while an attic fan will help circulate the air and decrease the amount of hot air.
It’s also a good idea to switch the fan setting on your thermostat from “auto” to “on.” This will allow the blower fan to run constantly, creating a more even mix of air within your home. Don’t worry about running the fan non-stop; doing so won’t increase your energy bills, and may in fact even reduce your energy use since your HVAC system won’t need to cycle as often.
For reliable commercial and residential HVAC solutions, turn to Dittmer Air and Heat. Our experienced technicians specialize in heat pump repair, air conditioner repair, dryer vent cleaning and more. Call us at (321) 637-0170 or fill out our online form to request a consultation.