Upstairs Doesn’t Stay Cool

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Top does not stay cool

“My upstairs areas don’t stay fresh,” report many clients. There are many factors to consider when trying to find the problem experienced by so many people.
In fact, there may be several reasons why multi-level homes experience this.

Short Cycling Systems

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Common AC Problems

The most common air conditioning problems reported by our customers are contained here along with common results. Checking several things before you call in your HVAC Specialist can save you money and aggravation.

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Mismatched HVAC Systems

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Low Refrigerant

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HVAC System With Low Refrigerant

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Troubleshooting Heating Issues

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Preventing HVAC Drain Issues

Ominous Dangers of Space Heaters

Dirty Coils and Filters can Cost You

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HVAC Leaks

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Why Does My Heat Pump Have Ice, Frost?

Have you ever seen ice or frost on your Heat Pump in the Winter? This can often be normal to see from time to time. Your heat pump is designed to extract heat from outside and transfer it inside.

Why Does My Heat Pump Run All the Time?

What Causes a Frozen Coil

Air Conditioner Leak

An Air Conditioner leak can be caused by many things. Water leaks from your air conditioner can cause significant damage to your floors, ceiling, furnishings, and more. Unchecked, it can lead to mold issues as well.
An Air Conditioner leak can be simple slow drips which accumulate or pouring water. Either are signs that your air conditioner leaks and needs attention.

Top does not stay cool

Coil Care

Coil care for your HVAC system is very important. A coil is a main component of your HVAC System. There is a condenser coil and an evaporator coil. These coils are an integral part of the heat exchange that happens when cooling your air. These coils contain your refrigerant. Many older systems used Freon (R22) while more recent systems use Puron (R410a).

Storms and HVAC

Summer storms can really wreak havoc on your home’s equipment, most of all your HVAC equipment. These storms can pop up at any time and these days seem to do so with increased frequency. This can be very costly to you, but there are several things which can be done to minimize the problem.
We, at Air Doctor Heating and Air perform insurance inspections insurance companies to document the damage which often requires complete replacement of the HVAC systems.

Short Cycling Systems

Common AC Problems

Low Refrigerant

Heat Gain

Heat Gain can greatly effect how hard your home’s Air Conditioning system has to work. It, therefore, causes you to use more energy and will cost more to operate. Heat Gain can decrease your system’s energy efficiency.

Uneven Temperatures

Uneven temperatures in your home can be very uncomfortable. They can also cause you to always be adjusting your thermostats. Evening out the temperature zone in your home can give you more comfort throughout. Many things can affect the temperatures in your home. Even if your thermostats are set to the same temperature, not every room is the same temperature.

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Upstairs Doesn’t Stay Cool

by monica@innov8tiveBrands.com | Jul 29, 2019 | Common HVAC Problems, HVAC Troubleshooting | 0 comments

“My upstairs doesn’t stay cool” report many customers. There are a lot of factors to consider when trying to find the problem that so many people experience.

In fact, there can be multiple reasons why multi level homes experience this.

Table of Contents

Heat Rises

One reason your upstairs doesn’t stay cool is excess heat. Excess Heat accumulates in the areas of a home by many factors. Heat gain comes from windows, from occupants, heat from ranges, microwaves, appliances, leaking seals around doors and windows. Heat rises and so accumulating heat will rise from lower floors to the upstairs.

This can mean that your upstairs is significantly warmer than your downstairs areas. At that point, your air conditioning system will work harder to try and cool the much warmer upstairs.

Roof is Absorbing Heat from the Sun, Inadequate Venting

Heat gain can occur with radiating heat from the sun on your roof. There are several ways of reducing this type of radiating heat. This can be a significant source of heat gain.

One way to reduce rooftop radiating heat is by venting the attic so that rising heat can escape. Another way is to install a radiant heat barrier which will help repel the heat and lessen the gain. Lastly an attic ventilation fan can help disperse accumulating heat.

All of these remedies will help lessen the effects of heat gain in your home and relieve the air conditioning workload.

Leaks in Insulation, Ductwork and Seals

Another reason your upstairs doesn’t stay cool is air leaking. Poor or insufficient insulation can allow hot external air to leak into your home. Consider adding insulation. Seals on your doors and windows are culprits for allowing heat gain. Additionally, leaks in your ductwork can allow your conditioned air to escape without benefit.

Conclusion

Check your home for proper insulation, seals and possible leaks. Add insulation, seals and radiant heat barriers if necessary. If you have dampers in your duct work, then you can adjust them so the upstairs is open fully and downstairs is less so. Closing off or reducing the vents downstairs can also help force the air upstairs.

Changing your Air Filters will help your air conditioner run more efficiently and work less.

After all this if your upstairs doesn’t stay cool or your system is still not performing well, contact your HVAC specialist. At Air Doctor Heating and Air we will provide a Free Estimate to replace or upgrade your system and have the best options for you.

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HVAC Licenses

MD HVAC # 17747
WV HVAC # 07874
VA HVAC # 2710071510
PA HICR # PA152515

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