[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Header” _builder_version=”4.16″ use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#003763 16%|#ffffff 90%” background_color_gradient_start=”#003763″ background_color_gradient_start_position=”16%” background_color_gradient_end=”#ffffff” background_color_gradient_end_position=”90%” overflow-x=”hidden” overflow-y=”hidden” bottom_divider_style=”slant” bottom_divider_color=”#ffffff” bottom_divider_height=”19vw” bottom_divider_flip=”horizontal” bottom_divider_height_tablet=”” bottom_divider_height_phone=”” bottom_divider_height_last_edited=”on|desktop” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ width=”90%” max_width=”1140px” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ header_font=”|300|||||||” header_font_size=”62px” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||1px||false|false” header_font_size_tablet=”40px” header_font_size_phone=”32px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ width=”90%” max_width=”1140px” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”||||||||” text_font_size=”20px” text_line_height=”1.8em” background_layout=”dark” text_font_size_tablet=”17px” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Have you noticed that a lot of people complain about their upstairs being too hot, or the downstairs being too cold? The temperature in most two-story homes can be as much as 10 degrees higher on the upper floor. Although a natural consequence of physics, it can make your home uncomfortable and inefficient.<\/p>\n
But why is it so hot upstairs? There could be many reasons, but most homes will have a slight temperature difference simply because heat rises<\/a>. Air (like any gas) expands as it is heated, causing it to disperse. Because the heated air is less dense than colder air, it buoys the hot air upward, much in the same way wood floats on the denser ocean.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/carolinacomfortsc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/whs-is-it-always-hot-upstairs-2.jpg” alt=”With most of the country on stay-at-home orders, it is more important than ever to make sure that our immediate environments are safe.” title_text=”whs-is-it-always-hot-upstairs-2″ show_bottom_space=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”0vw|0vw|0vw||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0vw|0vw|0vw||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||0vw||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” border_radii=”on|50px|50px|50px|50px” border_width_all=”3px” border_color_all=”#8fc6e8″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ width=”90%” max_width=”1140px” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Legionnaires Disease and What It Taught Us” _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font_size=”20px” custom_margin=”0px||0px|” custom_padding=”10px||0px||false|false” header_2_font_size_tablet=”22px” header_2_font_size_phone=”” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” z_index_tablet=”500″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n But, the natural behavior of hot air isn\u2019t the only reason there could be a difference between floors. A dramatic difference in temperature between stories is usually an indicator of an issue that should be addressed for efficient cooling. That doesn\u2019t necessarily mean that there is a problem with your HVAC system. Insulation and other factors could be to blame.<\/p>\n Here we outline some of the potential problems why the second floor of a house is usually hotter than the first floor. If it seems the air conditioning just isn\u2019t making it upstairs, contact us for a no-cost estimate<\/a>. Our experts can determine if your HVAC could be the issue, and if so how we might resolve it.<\/p>\n As we mentioned, some temperature difference is to be expected in most two-story homes. When the temperature difference is slight, it might not be hot enough to warrant the expense of inspections, service or upgrades, but still be uncomfortable. In that case, you might be able to remedy the problem simply by:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(255,255,255,0.62) 78%|rgba(0,55,99,0.55) 100%” background_color_gradient_start=”rgba(255,255,255,0.62)” background_color_gradient_start_position=”78%” background_color_gradient_end=”rgba(0,55,99,0.55)” custom_margin=”||-15px|” custom_padding=”0px|0px|50.4375px|0px|false|false” z_index_tablet=”500″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”0px|||” custom_padding=”0px||12px||false|false” z_index_tablet=”500″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ text_font_size=”20px” custom_margin=”0px||0px|” custom_padding=”10px||0px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ header_2_font_size_tablet=”22px” header_2_font_size_phone=”” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” z_index_tablet=”500″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n This is a good place to start, because if these eco-conscious measures<\/a> fix the problem, you will have saved yourself quite a bit of time and money. Even if you do require experts to fix the problem, these measures will help you keep things as cool as possible as you wait to schedule.<\/p>\n If the above steps do not remedy the problem and your second story is still significantly hotter than the downstairs, you could need to take additional measures, including calling in a professional.<\/p>\n Below are more reasons the upstairs could be hotter than the downstairs.<\/a><\/p>\n Do you find yourself asking, \u201cWhy is my bedroom hotter than the rest of the house?\u201d It is likely that factors specific to the room are to blame. Size and number of windows, as well as how much sunlight streams through them each day, are a larger source of heat than you might think. Luckily, there are a few things that can help you cool things off a bit.<\/p>\n Furthermore, the further away a room is from the thermostat, the less efficiently it will be cooled. Giving the room its own thermostat<\/a> through a zone system could cool things off considerably without the purchase and costly operation of a window unit.<\/p>\n The number one reason why it is hot upstairs, cold downstairs is that the attic is poorly insulated or ventilated. It might seem counterproductive to add insulation for warmth and then circulate cold air through it, but the combination actually works together in a very important way.<\/p>\n As the Department of Energy<\/a> explains, \u201cIn the summer, natural air flow in a well-vented attic moves super-heated air out of the attic, protecting roof shingles and removing moisture. The insulation will resist heat transfer into the house.\u201d The experts go on to say that the biggest mistake homeowners make is to block the soffit and rafter vents, which makes appropriate air flow through the attic impossible. When there is no flow of air to whisk away the super-hot air of the attic, the insulation only serves to hold heat in the house, making the top floor the most uncomfortable.<\/p>\n While it is possible to DIY attic insulation, it is a job best left to professionals for the most efficient energy bills and effective cooling for the second story of a home.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”0px|||” custom_padding=”0px|||” z_index_tablet=”500″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font_size=”20px” custom_margin=”0px||0px|” custom_padding=”0px||14px|||” z_index_tablet=”500″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The ductwork in your home is a very important part of your HVAC system. If the ducts are not sealed properly and offer appropriate air flow, it can cause problems with delivery of cooled air to the upper floor. You can lose up to 20% of the conditioned air<\/a> from poorly sealed air ducts before it ever reaches the upper floor. Ductwork can become old and joints can break, so if you have an older system this could be a real possibility.<\/p>\n On the other hand, it is possible that your home never had the right ductwork for your home. If the ductwork installed was not the appropriate size, or if it was not insulated and sealed correctly, it would not be efficient at sending cooled air to the second story. Unfortunately, one-size-fits-all solutions sold to builders often include the wrong ductwork for the job.<\/p>\n If we determine that the ductwork is old, broken, or installed incorrectly, it is likely that you will need new ductwork installed. Decades of experience means that we\u2019ve seen it all, and we\u2019ll know pretty quickly if the ductwork is to blame. If we do the new ductwork installation, we\u2019ll get the job done right the first time, and fast enough to get you back to your daily life.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/carolinacomfortsc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/why-is-the-second-floor-of-a-house-usually-hotter-than-the-first-floor.jpg” alt=”If water droplets containing the bacteria are sucked into the HVAC system, they can be pushed back out into the common indoor environment” title_text=”why-is-the-second-floor-of-a-house-usually-hotter-than-the-first-floor” _builder_version=”4.16″ border_radii=”on|50px|50px|50px|50px” border_width_all=”3px” border_color_all=”#8fc6e8″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”0px|||” custom_padding=”0px||12px||false|false” z_index_tablet=”500″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”HVAC and the Coronavirus Pandemic” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ text_font_size=”20px” custom_margin=”0px||0px|” custom_padding=”0px||14px|||” header_2_font_size_tablet=”22px” header_2_font_size_phone=”” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” z_index_tablet=”500″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n There are some home features, such as the high ceilings that are currently trending, that can affect the demand being placed on the unit. The more open a home\u2019s floor plan, the harder the system has to work.<\/p>\n For two-story homes with open floor plans and high ceilings, a climate zone control<\/a> system might be the best option. The Department of Energy estimates that most homeowners can save up to 30% on their energy bills simply by cooling their home in zones as needed. This requires installing a new, upgraded thermostat in each \u201czone\u201d that you set, as well as the installation of damper motors and zone boards. Zones can be rooms, open areas, or whole floors.<\/p>\n Efficient zoning control<\/a> for some homes may require two units, one for each floor. With such a system, you\u2019ll be able to heat and cool each floor independently. When combined with programmable thermostats, you can set it and forget it, enjoying comfort throughout your home.<\/p>\n Before you can even out the temperature between the first and second stories, you have to figure out exactly what is causing the problem. If you have significant temperature differences between levels and an older home, it is possible that you may need more than one solution to completely cool off your second floor for good.<\/p>\n Your first step in troubleshooting is to visually inspect your attic. The Insulation Institute<\/a> claims that up to 90% of American homes do not have adequate insulation, and it is the most common reason that the upstairs will be hotter than the downstairs.<\/p>\n You should be able to clearly see whether or not your attic is properly insulated. The Department of Energy recommends 13 to 18 inches of insulation in an attic, which means you should not be able to see any of the joists.<\/p>\n While you\u2019re up there, make sure that none of the roof, eaves, soffit, or rafter vents are blocked. If they are, your attic isn\u2019t properly ventilated either. Even adding an attic fan won\u2019t help if those vents are blocked.<\/p>\n If you determine that your attic insulation and ventilation does need some attention, contact a trusted roofing contractor or insulation specialist to assist you.<\/p>\n Your air conditioner, ducts, and thermostats all have a lifespan. If your HVAC unit is more than ten years old, you should consider replacing it with a more energy efficient model, even though it might last longer. There is some variance in how long a thermostat will last, but it\u2019s a good idea to replace it when you upgrade your system. The lifespan of ductwork can also vary, so it is a good idea to have your HVAC company inspect it often, especially if you plan on upgrading your unit.<\/p>\n If your air conditioner seems to be working extra hard to cool the rooms furthest away from the unit, it could be that your ductwork isn\u2019t allowing the cooled air to be pushed into the rooms as it should. This could be due to leaks, breaks, dents, or simply the wrong ducts being installed in the first place.<\/p>\n Parts of your ducts may be visible to you from different access points around your home. Where you can, visually inspect the ducts for any signs of damage or failure. If you see anything suspicious, contact a professional to do a more complete inspection.<\/p>\n One of the most obvious signs that you have a ductwork issue is noise. When your air conditioner starts pushing air through the ducts and they start to rattle, it is likely that you don\u2019t have the right ductwork for your home, or its joints have become damaged. You\u2019ll need an experienced HVAC contractor<\/a> to install the appropriate system for your HVAC.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#ce4c40″ z_index_tablet=”500″ box_shadow_style=”preset4″ box_shadow_color=”#004a97″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”|700|||||||” text_text_color=”#ffffff” text_font_size=”20px” link_font=”|100|||on|||#8fc6e8|” link_text_color=”#ffffff” header_text_color=”#ffffff” custom_padding=”|10px||10px” z_index_tablet=”500″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n If you need help figuring out how to get air conditioning to the second floor, our experts will be able to help you find solutions. After eliminating an insulation or ventilation problem, contact us to schedule a complete evaluation of the efficiency of your current system to discover if maintenance, repair, or upgrades might be necessary to correct the problem.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/carolinacomfortsc.com\/contact-us\/” button_text=”Contact Us” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#ffffff” button_bg_color=”#004a97″ button_border_width=”0″ button_border_color=”#004a97″ button_icon=”||divi||400″ background_layout=”dark” z_index_tablet=”500″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Footer” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#dbf0fc” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#004a97 0%|#ffffff 100%” background_color_gradient_start=”#004a97″ background_color_gradient_end=”#ffffff” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ z_index_tablet=”500″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”20px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/carolinacomfortsc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/img-footer-logo.png” alt=”img-footer-logo” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_class=”img-hvr-1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ z_index_tablet=”500″ global_colors_info=”{}”] 5636 Bush River Rd.<\/a>Causes of large temperature differences between levels<\/h2>\n
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Room factors<\/h3>\n
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Poor insulation and\/or ventilation<\/h3>\n
Problems with ductwork for the HVAC system<\/h3>\n
Inappropriate HVAC system for the home\u2019s demand<\/h3>\n
How to fix uneven heating and cooling in a 2-story home<\/h2>\n
Head up to the attic.<\/h3>\n
Consider the age of your system.<\/h3>\n
Have your ductwork inspected.<\/h3>\n
Get a complete HVAC inspection and estimate.<\/h2>\n
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Columbia, SC 29212
SC License – #M104545
NC License – #32356<\/p>\n