Reasons Why Your AC Isn’t Cooling The Upper Floor Of Your Pittsburgh Home

Pittsburgh summers can get hot and humid, and if your air conditioning (AC) unit isn’t keeping your upper floor cool, it can be frustrating and uncomfortable. Many homeowners experience uneven cooling, with the lower floors of their home staying cool while the upper floors remain warm and stuffy. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. There are several reasons why your AC may struggle to cool the upper floors of your home, and understanding these issues can help you find the right solution. In this blog, we’ll explore the most common reasons your AC isn’t cooling the upper floor of your home effectively, and provide tips on how to improve the situation. If you’re facing cooling issues in your Pittsburgh home, read on to learn what might be going wrong and how to fix it.

6 Reasons Your AC Isn’t Cooling The Upper Floor Of Your Pittsburgh Home

1. Rising Heat

One of the most basic principles of physics is that heat rises, and this natural phenomenon plays a significant role in your home’s temperature regulation. If your AC unit is located on the ground floor, it will naturally be more effective at cooling that area because cool air is denser and stays lower. As the cool air is released from your AC system, warm air is pushed upwards, making it more difficult to keep the upper floors cool. This means your AC unit has to work harder to cool the second floor, and if it’s not sized or equipped to handle that extra workload, you may notice your upstairs remains warmer than you’d like.

2. Too Many Rooms to Cool

Another common issue is that your AC system may be undersized for the number of rooms it’s expected to cool. For example, if your AC unit is rated to cool five rooms but your home has eight rooms, including the upper floor, it’s likely that the system is struggling to cool all areas evenly. This can happen if your home was built with an undersized AC unit, or if you’ve added extra rooms or living spaces since moving in. An AC system that’s too small for the square footage of your home will have difficulty maintaining consistent temperatures, especially on the upper floors.

3. Outdated or Inefficient Unit

If your home has an outdated or inefficient HVAC unit, it may no longer be capable of cooling your entire house properly. The average lifespan of an HVAC system is around 10 to 15 years, and over time, systems can lose efficiency, resulting in uneven cooling throughout the home. If you’ve never replaced your AC unit or it’s been a long time since you’ve upgraded your HVAC system, it may simply be time for a replacement. A modern, energy-efficient HVAC unit can provide more reliable cooling, help lower your utility bills, and ensure a more consistent temperature across all floors of your home.

4. Old, Leaky, or Inadequate Ductwork

If your AC unit is functioning properly but your upper floors are still too warm, the issue may lie in your ductwork. Over time, the ducts that deliver cool air to your home can become leaky, clogged, or inadequate for the job. Old or improperly sealed ductwork allows cool air to escape before it reaches the upper floors, meaning your AC unit has to work harder to achieve the desired temperature. Additionally, if your ducts are not insulated properly, they can lose cool air as it travels through hot attic spaces, making it even harder for the upper floor to cool down.

5. Heat From the Roof

In Pittsburgh, hot summers can cause your roof to absorb a significant amount of heat from the sun, and that heat can radiate down through your attic and into the upper floors of your home. If your attic is not properly insulated or ventilated, the hot air can make it nearly impossible to keep the upstairs cool, no matter how hard your AC system is working. When your roof heats up during the day, the heat travels downward, making the upper floors of your home warmer than the lower levels. Proper insulation and attic ventilation are key to preventing heat from accumulating in your home’s upper levels.

6. Your Thermostat Is Set Too High

Sometimes the solution is simpler than you think: check your thermostat settings. It’s possible that the upper floors of your home aren’t cooling properly because your thermostat is set too high. If your thermostat is on the lower floor, it may reach the set temperature faster and shut off before the upper floors have had a chance to cool down. Try lowering your thermostat by a couple of degrees and switching it from “auto” to “on,” which keeps the blower fan running continuously to circulate air throughout your home, helping to even out the temperature between floors.

Tips to Help Cool Your Upper Floor

If your AC is struggling to cool your upper floor, there are a few things you can try to improve the situation:

  • Lower the Thermostat in Small Increments: Adjust your thermostat by lowering the temperature by 2 to 3 degrees and see if that helps cool the upper floors. Once you find a temperature that works, keep your thermostat at that setting consistently. Switching your thermostat to the “on” position, instead of “auto,” can also help circulate cool air more effectively.
  • Change Air Filters: Clogged or dirty air filters can restrict airflow, making it harder for your AC unit to cool your home. Make sure to change your air filters regularly to ensure optimal airflow and cooling efficiency.
  • Turn Off Unused Appliances and Lights: Appliances and lights generate heat, which can make your upper floors warmer. If you’re not using certain rooms or appliances upstairs, turn them off to prevent unnecessary heat from building up.
  • Use Ceiling and Floor Fans: Ceiling and floor fans can help circulate air and keep smaller spaces cool. They work best in combination with your AC system to keep air moving throughout the upper floors, helping to maintain a more consistent temperature.
  • Install Heat-Blocking Shades or Insulate Your Attic: If heat from the sun is making your upper floors warm, consider using heat-blocking shades or UV-blocking window film to prevent excess heat from entering your home. Additionally, ensuring your attic is properly insulated and ventilated will help keep hot air from accumulating and affecting the temperature of your upper floors.

Contact Waldron Electric For AC Repair Services In Pittsburgh, PA

If you’ve tried these tips and your AC is still unable to cool your upper floors, it may be time to consider professional help. The team at Waldron Electric specializes in AC repair services and can assess whether your system needs repairs, upgrades, or replacement to ensure even cooling throughout your home. Don’t let a malfunctioning AC system leave you sweltering during Pittsburgh’s hot summer months. Contact Waldron Electric today at (412) 555-1234 to schedule an appointment, or visit our website to learn more about our AC repair services in Pittsburgh, PA. Let us help you stay comfortable year-round with a reliable, efficient cooling system!