I live in an old bungalow where the attic has been converted into a master bedroom, complete with a bathroom and walk-in closet. We have an electric central air unit specifically for this upstairs space. Although my HVAC technician confirmed that the system works well, the upstairs still swelters at over 90 degrees in the summer. The bathroom seems to be poorly insulated, and despite having placed UV film on the three skylight windows, it doesn't seem to help. I can also see vent ducts on the roof that appear to be insufficiently insulated. I'm seeking guidance on who to contact first to resolve this—should I reach out to an HVAC specialist or a roofing company, or is there another route I should consider? Any advice would be greatly appreciated as I'm still learning about home maintenance.
3 Answers
Check if your AC vent and return airflow are running to the attic bedroom. If not, that could be a major issue. If they are, consider proper insulation, especially in that bathroom area, since that's where you're experiencing heat as well.
Definitely get in touch with an insulation contractor first. An energy auditor could also help with identifying any leaks or inefficiencies, which are crucial to address before throwing more money into HVAC fixes. You really need to pinpoint those leaks to get the best temperature control in your attic.
It sounds like insulation and possibly window issues are your culprits. If the AC is blowing cold air but it doesn't cool down the space, it might be worth checking your insulation, especially around those skylights—I'd suggest temporarily blocking them to see if that helps. I actually used foil on my upper attic windows and it made a huge difference. Good luck!
You can find shades specifically designed for skylights, and they really help too!
I'm looking into blinds or blackout options as well. If it's an insulation problem, it might be a bigger job than anticipated.
Thanks for that input! I never thought about the vent issues; I'll definitely check that.