Does it feel like your upstairs bedroom stays 10°F or even 15ºF hotter than the rest of your home, no matter what you set your thermostat to? Even with the AC running all day, it’s common for homeowners to notice a serious temperature difference on their home’s upper level, especially during California’s intense summer heat. In this quick guide, we’ll cover the most common reasons your air conditioner is not cooling upstairs, troubleshooting steps, and how a pro can help.
Key Highlights
- A warmer upper floor can be caused by poor attic insulation, improper AC sizing, airflow blockages, and more.
- You can troubleshoot this issue by changing your AC air filter and checking thermostat settings.
- Pros can resolve this issue for good with zoned HVAC installation, a smart thermostat, or duct sealing and insulation upgrades.
- PDS Plumbing and Air offers comprehensive cooling services to keep your upstairs comfortable.
Why Is the Upstairs Always Hotter?
There are many AC issues you might face, ranging from an AC working but not putting out cool air to an air conditioner that’s stopped working altogether. But what if it seems like your AC is working normally when you’re on the ground floor, only to realize your upstairs is unbearably warm?
Heat rises, which means that without proper attic heat transfer and insulation systems, this warm air gets trapped in your upper level. When you combine this with how common single-zone HVAC systems are, it’s no surprise that many California homeowners struggle with an overly warm upper floor
Common Reasons Your Air Conditioner Is Not Cooling Upstairs
There are several potential reasons your AC isn’t cooling upstairs, including:
Poor attic insulation
If your attic’s insulation isn’t adequate, warm air will enter your home through the roof and eventually seep into your home’s upper level.
Airflow issues
Sometimes, poor upstairs cooling is caused by interruptions in the air conditioner’s airflow. This can happen throughout the system, but the air filter and ductwork are the two most likely culprits.
Air duct issues
Air ducts can develop leaks over time, leading to cool air escaping from ductwork before it reaches your upper level. Insulation can also fail over time, causing the air to warm up before it makes it upstairs. You’ll need air duct services to address this issue permanently.
Improper AC sizing
In some cases, an overly warm second floor is due to an improperly sized air conditioner. Technicians determine the exact size of AC you need with a Manual J® load calculation. If your system is undersized, it won’t be able to reliably cool your upper floor.
Blocked vents
Furniture, rugs, or even high levels of dust can block vent grilles, preventing airflow and causing your AC to take hours to cool the house.
Thermostat issues
Another possible reason your AC isn’t working upstairs is due to issues with the thermostat. The thermostat only ‘knows’ the temperature in the area around it. This means that if it’s on the main level, it will tell the AC to shut off once the main floor is cool, even if the upstairs is still much warmer.
Failing AC
Of course, there’s always a chance that your AC is the source of the issue. If your system is nearing the end of its lifespan, it will struggle to cool your home. You may need AC repair or a new air conditioner installation to get your upper level to a manageable temperature again.
Quick DIY Checks Before Calling an HVAC Technician
Now that we’ve learned a little about the potential causes of a hot upper floor, what can you do about it? Here are a few quick, DIY AC fixes and checks to try before calling a pro:
- Check and change your air conditioner’s air filter.
- Check that all AC vents upstairs are free of dust buildup and aren’t blocked by rugs or furniture.
- Check your thermostat settings, ensuring it’s set to ‘cool’ and that the fan is on ‘auto’.
- If your ductwork system has dampers, adjust them to force more air upstairs.
- Close blinds and curtains during periods of direct sunlight.
When to Call a Professional for an AC Not Cooling Upstairs
If the above DIY approaches don’t work, it’s likely time to call for help from an experienced AC pro. At PDS Plumbing and Air, this is an issue we fix regularly, helping homeowners beat the heat throughout their entire homes. We offer 24/7 availability across Central and Southern California and the Inland Empire, meaning you never have to stress about a hot, sleepless summer night. As a fully licensed, veteran-owned and operated company, we can quickly diagnose the issue and make the necessary repairs and upgrades to ensure a cool, comfortable home both upstairs and down.
Permanent Fixes for AC Not Cooling Upstairs
Our team is proud to provide comprehensive HVAC services that help your systems run reliably, efficiently, and throughout your whole home. If your system isn’t cooling upstairs sufficiently, there are a few ways we can help, including:
Duct sealing and insulation upgrade
One of the best ways to improve your upstairs temperature is by working on the ductwork that connects the area to your HVAC systems. We can find and repair any air leaks and upgrade the duct’s insulation, helping more cool air reach the upper level.
Zoning system installation
Zoned HVAC systems offer superior temperature control, letting you set different temperatures for different areas in the home. These systems mean you can enjoy a cool upstairs without making your lower level an icebox, all while keeping energy consumption in check.
Ductless mini-split for upper floor
Ductless mini-split systems are an increasingly popular solution to the hot second-floor problem. These versatile systems are small and quick to install, and can comfortably cool a large part of your second floor without the need for additional ductwork.
AC system right-sizing
We’ll inspect your AC system and home to perform in-depth calculations on AC sizing. If we determine there’s a mismatch, we can help you choose a new system that’s better suited for your space. In addition to improving the upstairs temperature, this reduces strain on the system, meaning you’ll pay less for AC maintenance and repairs in the future.
Attic insulation upgrade
We can upgrade the insulation in your attic to reduce the amount of heat it traps from outside, greatly improving the comfort of your second floor. This also helps to reduce energy bills, since your AC won’t be battling a constantly warm attic.
Smart thermostat with remote sensors
Smart thermostats offer much more in-depth temperature control and can even be connected to remote sensors elsewhere in the home. This means a thermostat on the main floor can detect the temperature upstairs, allowing you to set the air conditioner accordingly.
Keep Your Cool with PDS Plumbing and Air
If you’re tired of tossing and turning all night long, it might be time to get a little help from the experts. At PDS Plumbing and Air, we have the skills and experience to quickly determine the cause of the high temperatures in your upper floor. From here, we’ll recommend the services you need to resolve the issue and get the job done in a matter of hours. For more information or to schedule a service appointment today, don’t hesitate to contact us.
