If you’ve ever walked upstairs during the summer and felt an immediate temperature difference, you’re not alone. Many homeowners struggle with keeping their upper floors cool, even when their air conditioning system seems to be running properly. The good news? There are several common reasons why this happens—and plenty of ways to fix it. In this blog, we’ll explain why your upstairs is so much hotter than the rest of your home and what you can do to create a more comfortable living space. If you continue to struggle with uneven heating in your home, contact us for AC service in Upper St Clair.
Common Reasons Your Upstairs Is Too Hot
One of the biggest reasons your upstairs feels hotter is simple science: heat rises. Warm air naturally moves upward, which means the top floors of your home will always be warmer than the lower levels. However, your home’s HVAC system should be able to regulate this and keep temperatures even throughout the house. If that’s not happening, there may be other factors at play. Here are the most common causes.
1. Your AC System Isn’t Powerful Enough
If your air conditioner is too small for your home’s square footage, it will struggle to keep the upper floors cool. An undersized system runs longer, works harder, and still may not provide enough cooling power to maintain comfortable temperatures upstairs.
Solution: Schedule an appointment with our team so we can evaluate your system’s capacity. If the unit is too small, you may need an upgrade or a zoning system to better distribute cool air.
2. Poor Airflow & Ductwork Issues
Your HVAC system relies on a network of ducts to distribute air evenly throughout your home. If those ducts are blocked, leaking, or improperly designed, cool air may not be reaching the upstairs efficiently.
Solution:
- Check for blocked or closed vents upstairs.
- Make sure furniture or curtains aren’t obstructing airflow.
- We can inspect your ductwork for leaks or obstructions.
3. Your Thermostat Is in the Wrong Place
Many thermostats are installed on the first floor, which can cause an imbalance in cooling. Since the downstairs may reach the desired temperature first, the system shuts off before the upstairs has a chance to cool down.
Solution: Consider a smart thermostat or a zoned HVAC system, which allows you to control temperatures separately in different areas of your home.
4 Windows and Sun Exposure
If your upstairs has a lot of windows—especially ones facing the sun—your home can feel like a greenhouse. Poorly sealed windows can also allow warm air inside while letting cool air escape.
Solution:
- Use blackout curtains, blinds, or reflective window films to block heat.
- Upgrade to energy-efficient windows that reduce heat transfer.
A hot upstairs doesn’t have to be the norm. At Boehmer Heating & Cooling, we specialize in diagnosing and fixing uneven cooling issues. Whether you need an AC upgrade, ductwork inspection, or insulation improvements, our team is here to help.
Call the friendly staff at Boehmer Heating & Cooling for exceptional customer service! Schedule AC services in Upper St. Clair, PA with our team today.