Feel like you’re walking to a sauna every time you go upstairs? You’re not imagining things. A hot second floor is one of the most common complaints we hear during the summer.
You might think the issue is with your air conditioner, but that’s not always the case. Often, the real problem is hiding in your attic.
Keep reading to find out what’s going on and, more importantly, how to fix it.
What Causes a Hot Second Floor?
There are a few things that can cause a hot second floor. Usually, if you have a hot upstairs and a cold downstairs, it’s because of your attic insulation and air sealing. But sometimes, your AC is part of the problem.
1. Weak Attic Insulation Lets Heat In
During the summer, heat from the sun beats down on your roof all day. Without good attic insulation, that heat travels straight down into the rooms below, heating up your second floor.
2. Air Leaks Let AC Seep Out
Even with decent insulation, your home could still be leaking cool air and letting hot air in through tiny gaps and cracks, called air leaks, around recessed lights, attic hatches, plumbing vents, and ductwork. These leaks allow hot attic air to infiltrate your upstairs rooms, raising temperatures and overworking your AC.
3. Your AC Isn’t Pulling its Weight
If your second floor still feels hot after addressing insulation and air leaks, your AC might not be pulling its weight.
There are a few common issues:
- Undersized system: If your AC isn’t powerful enough for your home, it won’t be able to keep up, especially on extra hot days.
- Poor ductwork design: If your air ducts are too small, leaky, or poorly routed, your upstairs may not be getting the airflow it needs.
- Lack of zoning: Many homes are cooled by a single thermostat located on the first floor. This setup doesn’t account for how much hotter the second floor gets, meaning your AC might shut off before your upstairs ever cools down.
How to Fix a Hot Second Floor for Good
Start with an Energy Audit
Before you spend money guessing at solutions, start with a professional energy audit. We’ll measure your insulation levels, identify air leaks, and evaluate how well your AC is actually performing.
Insulate & Air Seal Your Attic
Insulating and air sealing your attic will stop outside heat from pouring in and hold cool AC inside your home.
This one fix can make a huge difference. Your upstairs will stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, without running your HVAC system non-stop. Plus, it qualifies for rebates and incentives to reduce the cost.
Install Mini Split Heat Pumps
If your attic is well-insulated and sealed, but your second floor still feels too warm, a ductless mini split might be the right solution. Mini splits are great for giving you extra cooling (or heating) right where you need it, like a hot upstairs bedroom or a bonus room over the garage.
Mini splits are energy efficient, quiet, and don’t need ductwork. You can control them separately from your main thermostat, so you’re not overcooling the rest of the house just to make the upstairs comfortable.
A Whole-Home Approach Is the Best Solution
Fixing a hot second floor isn’t always about just one thing. That’s why we take a whole-home approach at Total Home Performance. We don’t just look at your air conditioner or your attic—we look at how everything in your home works together.
This way, we can find the real cause of your comfort problems and give you the right fix the first time.
As a locally owned and operated company with over 16 years of experience, Total Home Performance is the go-to contractor for home performance help on the Eastern Shore, Annapolis, and Anne Arundel County areas.