One of the most common occurrences in HVAC households in the summertime is that hot air rises upwards, making the second story warmer than the first story. However, this may not be the only cause for higher temperatures. Here are some possible causes why this happens.
Your Air Conditioner
HVAC experts in London, Ontario claim that most of the air conditioner units are not operating at their optimal level and this is one of the main reasons why many households experience warmer upper floor temperatures. An AC unit has an average lifespan of about 15-20 years, but if you keep running them beyond that timeframe, they lose their efficiency. Get an HVAC expert to analyze your AC unit for potential problems. An inefficient AC unit may not be the only cause of sweltering heat in your upper story and an HVAC technician can carry out a complete examination of your HVAC system to find the exact reasons. Common reasons include the need for repairs or the replacement of parts, improper load calculation or the AC unit being too small for your home.
Ductwork issues
As the distance between your ductwork and room increases, cold air can get lost amidst the ductwork while travelling to upper rooms. Moreover, if you have gaps and leaks in the ductwork, it can potentially cause a greater leak or even a complete breakdown. There are many reasons why ductwork has to be done by licensed professionals. After all, you do not want to end up in a home that has ducts full of leaks and gaps. If you do see any superficial gap or crack, it is not such a bad idea to seal it yourself with an appropriate sealant.
Attic
If your home has an attic, bear in mind that in summers they can get really warm. This superheated air then travels through your vents and enters the room. Make sure to insulate your attic to keep the heat from radiating through the floors. Additionally, you can make sure to keep the attic well-ventilated to prevent heat from trapping up. Introduce cross windows to facilitate ventilation. Just make sure you have sealed them with wire mesh, or else rodents will find their way in and you may be looking at a completely new issue then.
Trees outside the rooms
If your home is surrounded by trees, you are lucky to enjoy the natural shade in the summer. These trees are likely to protect against direct sunlight entering on your ground floor. However, they may not be able to provide the same protection to the top floor, making it seem way too warm. While you cannot control the height of those trees, you can still consider investing in thicker blinds, dark curtains and heavier AC units for rooms that have excessive sunlight coming in.
If you want to check leakages, repair or replace your HVAC system, speak to our skilled and licensed crew at Home Comfort Center. Our team will carry out a detailed assessment of your homes HVAC system and give recommendations to ensure you have a comfortable and safe summer.
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