I've been struggling with heat in my upstairs for ages, especially on hot days like today when the temperature hit 80°F in the bedroom. My house is from 2007, and I've done some detective work with temperature sensors showing my attic reaching a blistering 138°F! I'm considering installing an attic exhaust fan but am not sure I want to tackle it myself. I'm looking for temporary solutions to cool down the upstairs until I can figure out the fan situation. Would using a directional fan in the middle of the house help?
3 Answers
You might want to consider how old your air conditioner is. If it's the original unit from when the house was built, it might be time to service it, check for leaks, or even recharge the refrigerant. It's a cheaper fix than getting a new unit if you're just leaking some cool air!
I’d say a temporary fix could be grabbing a portable AC unit, even though they can be loud. But longer term, you’ll need to address whether your AC is single-zone, if it’s functioning properly, and if your attic has good ventilation. Those factors play a huge role in keeping your upstairs comfortable!
If your AC runs off a single thermostat downstairs, try setting the blower to run all the time. This way, air circulates even when the AC isn't cooling—it's been a game changer for my split-level house in summer!
That’s a fantastic suggestion! I have a smart thermostat with extra sensors upstairs, and it really helps to balance the temp.
I actually had my Freon levels checked last year, and they were fine. I think I need to look into the insulation of the tubing more, too.