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Have you ever wondered why your first floor is cool as it should, but the upstairs is hot, sticky, and humid? Every homeowner in Texas should know what we mean, and this is a common problem in most places in the US, despite many homeowners not being able to find out why this is.
The main reason for this is because warm air elevates. As air gets warmer, it becomes less dense and rises. As air cools, it gets more-thick and descends, which explains how the main floor gets cooler than the upper floor.
But there may be other reasons why you experience humid conditions upstairs, which you can work to rectify with HVAC contractors Houston and other specialist.
The Roof
Of course, the roof is the primary line of defense to keep the upper floor protected and sheltered, but it’s not a barrier from heat. If your roof has dark-colored shingles, it will certainly trap more heat opposed to light-colored roofs. The best way to prevent heat coming in through the roof is to replace it with a metal roof. Metal roofs can save you on energy costs by about half, despite their steep prices.
Insulation
Insulation is another factor that might allow more heat on the upper floor, if it is not performing at its best. If insulation has aged or has not been installed correctly, it can be a cause for a large amount of energy wasted throughout your home. Insulation is hard to install in certain areas of your roof, such as bay windows, corners, and other complicated and tricky locations. We suggest to replace your insulation with foam seal, so all those areas can be covered professionally with no areas exposed to heat.
Bad Ventilation
Your vents are the reason many parts of the room receive cool, conditioned air, thus your ventilation will be the X-factor in whether your home will feel comfortable or not. It is possible for vents to leak or not work right, and that can play a part in how much quality your air has. Thus, it is important to clean your ventilation system periodically to prevent problems such as dust buildup, bad indoor air quality, allergens, and other detriments. You can hire an HVAC contractor to clean your vents as well as inspect your air conditioner to ensure that everything is working optimally.
Underperforming Windows
One last thing to consider are windows that are either too old or are not energy-efficient. During colder weather, windows can cause drafts, but during the summer, these windows can lose cold, air, even if they are rarely opened. A window with low-e coating is what you need in order to preserve as much cold air as possible during the summer. Low-E glass will actually reflect thermal heat rays while still allowing light into the room. Windows without low-E coating will allow that heat to pass through either way.
Here are some additional measures you can take for keeping your upstairs area cool:
- Close blinds and curtains during the day so that heat rays can be blocked from entering the upper floor rooms of your home.
- Adjust the ceiling fans on your upper floor. Ensure your fans move counterclockwise so that it will push air down towards you, making the room feel cooler overall.
- Have your air conditioner examined on a regular basis and make any repairs when necessary.
