How To Keep the Upstairs of Your Air Conditioned Home Cooler
Are you suffering in summer heat in the upstairs bedroom?You can feel like you're drinking in the cool breeze of spring with a few housing hacks.We'll show you how to make little changes, large scale structural changes and improve the existing system in your house.It will be easy since your house is already air-conditioned.
Step 1: The shades and drapes need to be closed.
The heat gets into the house from the windows.Pulling down shades and drawing drapes blocks the sun's light.Think of the room as if it were a parking lot.Purchase heat-blocking shades for the windows if you're interested.Light-colored drapes will do the trick.If you want to cover them up, add a curtain on top of the shades.
Step 2: The lights need to be turned off.
If you're still using old school, high-wattage light bulbs, you know how quickly they heat up.If you have several, their power really adds up.They should be turned off and kept off as much as possible.Desperate to have lights?dimmer bulbs are better for the environment because they don't give off as much heat.The lights are getting cheaper.
Step 3: Both upstairs and downstairs are open.
The downstairs air supply register helps direct the cold air upstairs.The air is pushed out through the air conditioner.Don't close all the air supply registers at the same time.The air conditioner needs enough air to work efficiently.
Step 4: The furniture should be moved from the register.
The air supply register should be fully uncovered.All rooms should be unblocked from air returns.Good air circulation occurs in the upper floor.Move these items to open walls.You can keep cool by placing bookshelves or tapestries against the walls.
Step 5: Use fans on the floor.
If placed well, floor fans can help circulate air in a room.They help keep the cold air out of the upstairs rooms by whisking it up in an airy cycle.The corner is where it can move the air across the room.It can mix the air to lower the temperature.You can let the fan blow if you put a bowl of ice cubes in front of it.The wind is ready for delivery.The fan should be tilted up to help direct the cool air.
Step 6: It's time to get rid of the stuff.
Air is allowed to flow, not get stagnant, and get cooler with fewer objects in the room.Get as much surface area as possible in the room.The best place to put your fan is in the room, where the air circulates around and around.A clear space can make you feel cooler.
Step 7: Add attic insulation.
R30 insulation is needed to keep heat out in summer and inside in winter.If you insulate your attic, you can save money in the long run.If you don't get the right insulation it will allow the summer heat to get into the house.If you have an attic, it's a good idea to buy half inch plywood and lay it over the insulation.It will allow you to block heat transfer and give you a walking surface.The only way to stop the heat from entering your house is to delay the transfer until the attic cools off at night.
Step 8: Fix the windows.
Cold out and heat in can be caused by leaking windows and single pane glass.Consider Low E glass for window replacements.If you don't let the cold air warm up and the hot air "leak" out, you will be cooler in the summer.If there are cracks or gaps between the windows and the walls, that's hot and cool air escaping like sand through an hourglass.If you don't upgrade your glass, make sure to cover any structural spots that need to be taken care of.
Step 9: Redecorating can be energy-conscious.
There are a lot of things you can do to keep your house cool.Light doesn't absorb a lot of heat like dark colors do, so consider painting walls white or another light color.Though a white roof may seem a little less fashionable, this goes for your roof, too.Adding awnings or extending the roof line will prevent the sun from entering the windows in the summer.
Step 10: Duct or ceiling fans can be added.
Air circulation is most likely the problem if the air conditioner is large enough to cool the whole house.Cold air sinks as hot air rises.More cold air is forced out of the upstairs ducts if the register covers are replaced.The units can be purchased at large hardware stores.Adding a couple of ceiling fans in the upstairs rooms or over a large open 2 story room would be great.One fan blows air down and the other sucks air up with a switch.You want the fan to spread the cold air over the house again.
Step 11: The furnace filters should be replaced.
Cold air circulation is prevented by blocked filters.The filters need to be replaced at least every three months.You can find the filter in the basement by going into it.If you bought a new filter, make sure it fits.You can do it on your own.Make sure the arrows on the sides are pointing in the right direction when you place the new filter in it.It takes 30 seconds to do the job.
Step 12: Clean your outdoor AC unit.
To remove dirt from the coils, rinse the outside unit with a garden hose.There are leaves in the fan area.The unit is required to do this.gunk and dirt may be keeping your air conditioner from running at its full potential.
Step 13: Make sure the soffit vents are working.
There is a hot attic upstairs.The attic temperature can be brought down by adding a ridge vent or power vent.Don't hesitate to call in a professional if you are not sure how they are operating.It's not only for your comfort, but for the lifespan of your roof as well.It could be an expense, but it could save you thousands in the long run.
Step 14: Get a pressure check.
Over time, the air conditioner may leak some refrigerant.The air conditioner can be checked and refilled by a heating and cooling contractor.You can do this on your own if you're handy.If you want to learn more about the Charge a Home Air Conditioners, take a look at the website.
Step 15: Call a professional.
A survey and recommendations for a small fee are what heating and cooling contractors do.Get more than one opinion and work with professionals that have a good reputation.If you want to get the job done right, you need to check the Better Business Bureau.As cold air sinks and hot air rises, air conditioners should be placed close to the ceiling.If this does not describe your air conditioner, consider getting it moved for more efficient results.