How to Effectively Cool Your Upstairs Without Overworking Your AC

Understanding Airflow Dynamics in Your Home

One crucial aspect of keeping your home cool, particularly the upstairs, is understanding airflow dynamics. The principle of warm air rising and cool air sinking is fundamental to the temperature differences you experience between floors.

Typically, the upstairs of your home is warmer than the downstairs because heat naturally rises. As the sun heats your home throughout the day, the upper levels accumulate more heat, often collecting in your attic or crawlspace.

Another factor is the placement and efficiency of your HVAC system. Cool air may not circulate efficiently to higher levels if your air conditioning unit or vents are predominantly located on the first floor or if registers are installed in your floors and not your ceilings. Moreover, attic insulation—or a lack thereof—can significantly impact how heat is retained in your upstairs rooms.

Optimizing Your Thermostat Settings for Summer

Setting your thermostat correctly during summer is crucial to keeping your home cool without overworking your AC unit. The ideal temperature for your thermostat during the summer is typically around 76°F to 78°F when you are at home. The US Department of Energy recommends setting the thermostat higher than you think you need but at a temp that is still comfortable. This range allows for a comfortable indoor climate while significantly reducing your energy consumption and the strain on your air conditioning system.

Leave Your AC On When Away from Home

When you are away from home, it can be tempting to turn off your AC to save on energy costs. However, allowing your home to overheat can be more taxing on your AC system when you return. Instead of turning the AC off completely, consider setting the thermostat a few degrees higher, around 80°F.

This approach prevents your home from overheating and maintains a manageable temperature for your AC to cool down more efficiently when you return. Remember, it's easier for your AC to adjust a couple of degrees lower than to try to reduce your home's temperature by 10° or more.

Additional Tips for Improving Home Cooling Efficiency

So now you know how to set your thermostat, what else can you do to ensure every level of your home stays comfortable this summer? Using your understanding of airflow and how to set your thermostat, there are several things you can do throughout your home to encourage more even cooling.

Here are a few low-cost, easy things you can try:

• Utilize ceiling fans: Keep ceiling fans on to help circulate cool air more effectively, particularly in upstairs rooms. Remember to set the fans to rotate counterclockwise during the summer.
• Invest in blackout curtains: Install blackout curtains or blinds in rooms that receive a lot of sunlight. By blocking out the sun's rays, these can significantly reduce heat gain.
• Check your vents: Go through your home and make sure all cooling registers are open and clear.
• Close off unused rooms: To concentrate your AC's cooling power, close HVAC vents, and the doors to rooms that are not in use. This can help direct more cool air to the areas most needed.

Regular air conditioner maintenance is also crucial to its efficiency and longevity. Ensure your AC is serviced annually by the professionals at Donmar Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. Annual maintenance can help prevent costly breakdowns, ensure optimal performance, and ultimately keep your energy bills lower by making sure your system runs efficiently.

Need help improving the efficacy of your home's cooling system? Reach out to our AC specialists online.