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Why Is It Always Hot Upstairs (And How to Fix It)?

  • Air 1 Cooling & Heating
  • Jul 14
  • 3 min read

If you live in a two-story home in Gettysburg, PA, you’ve probably noticed something frustrating during the warmer months. Your upstairs always feels hotter than the rest of the house.


While it’s a common issue for many homeowners, that doesn’t mean you have to live with it. Our team specializes in diagnosing and solving comfort problems just like this with expert AC service and energy-efficient solutions.


Let’s explore why it seems to get hotter upstairs, and then the practical ways to correct this situation if you’re encountering it right now. 


Here’s Why the Upstairs Often Gets Hot

When winter comes along, it feels good to have warmer rooms upstairs. In our state’s humid summers, the environment can feel like it goes beyond uncomfortable. That can happen for several reasons. 


Poor Airflow as Heat Rises

Hot air naturally rises. Even if your air conditioning is doing its job downstairs, the modification pushes the warmer temperatures away by sending it to your second story. If your ductwork isn't balanced properly or if your vents are blocked, the airflow upstairs won’t be strong enough to combat that rising heat.


Older homes may have outdated or nonexistent ductwork to support your current service. Updating this structure can help. Before an AC service repair tech comes there, you can get some temporary relief by opening screened windows and using fans to keep the air moving.


Inadequate Zoning

Today’s standard HVAC systems typically use a single thermostat to control indoor temperatures. Most are installed on the ground floor. If you have this structure in your home, it means your AC only monitors and responds to temperatures downstairs, even if it’s sweltering upstairs.


Upgrading your HVAC system with an upstairs thermostat will help to keep the entire home more comfortable. You might still notice some temperature variations on the hottest days, but they will not as dramatic as they are with inadequate zoning.


Aging and Undersized AC Systems

If your air conditioner is more than 10–15 years old or wasn’t properly sized for your home when it was installed, it may not be able to keep up with your cooling demands. Frequent cycling, weak airflow, and uneven cooling are all signs it may be time to explore an AC service repair.


Lack of Attic Insulation

Your attic is the first line of defense against outdoor heat. If it is poorly insulated or lacks appropriate ventilation, it can trap the hot air and radiate it downward. For those in older Gettysburg homes, the insulation could be outdated or insufficient to meet modern standards, even if you have an updated AC service.


Now Is the Perfect Time to Schedule a Consultation

Gettysburg AC repair Tech Air 1 Cooling & Heating

If your air conditioning unit is inefficient and struggles to keep up with the hot summer days, it might be time to invest in a new system. Today’s AC units are designed to deliver consistent comfort while using less energy.


At Air 1 Cooling & Heating we proudly offer complete AC service repair and replacement options that meet your home’s needs and your overall budget. Together, we can fix that hot upstairs for good! Request a Free Quote Online or give us a call at (717) 680-1850




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