Uneven cooling is a common issue for multi story homes. Although you may have invested in central AC, it may not be able to cool your entire home consistently. There are a variety of factors that can affect your air conditioning performance, but fortunately, there are fixes to solve your uneven home cooling.
Use the “On” Fan Setting
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Most thermostats have a few settings, and if you look at your thermostat, you may find that yours is set to “Auto.” If this is the case, you should switch over to the “On” position. The “On” setting means that the fan in your air conditioning system remains on to circulate air. This continues even if the cooling cycle has ended, so the air temperatures are evened out between your home’s first and second floors. The “Auto” setting only allows the fan to run when there is a cooling cycle running to actively cool your home, so the cooled air may be lingering in certain areas of your home, while others stay warmer.
Check for Air Leaks
Leaking ducts are a common cause of uneven cooling. A leak will mean that the air destined for a specific area of your home escapes before it can arrive. Any holes, tears or leaks in your ductwork will also make your air conditioning system work harder and harder to compensate for the escaping air. It can also allow debris and dirt to be introduced into your system that can clog up the filters and further reduce airflow. While it may be possible to check for leaks yourself, some areas of ductwork may be concealed inside difficult to reach areas of your home, so it may be a good idea to call in a professional HVAC specialist to assess your ductwork and perform a thorough air leak check.
Boost Your Attic Insulation
The insulation in your attic provides a dual purpose of keeping the hot outside air out of your home and preventing your cool air from escaping. If your attic is not adequately insulated, you’re not going to enjoy the full benefit of your cooled air. Improper attic insulation can result in a hotter second floor, as the heat from the sun is absorbed by the roof and passes into the attic. You need to ensure that your attic insulation has the proper R Value and is adequate for your home.
Add Cooling Zones
Although a zoning system is an investment, it can provide an efficient method of dealing with uneven cooling. Zoning will allow direct control of the temperatures in different areas of your home.
Uneven cooling can be a massive problem, and if these fixes haven’t resolved the issue, you may need to consider upgrading your AC equipment. If your system has been improperly installed or is underpowered, it may not be able to deliver even comfort throughout your home. An experienced HVAC technician can assess your current system and recommend a solution to ensure that all areas are comfortable and cool during even the hottest summer days.