Why Is My Upstairs So Hot? 6 Causes and How to Fix It

Is your upstairs cooking while other floors remain breezy and cool? Other than being uncomfortable, this issue can lead to higher utility bills and unhappy residents. One of the reasons your upstairs is so hot is poor air circulation, while other causes might be insulation or HVAC issues. Fixing this issue isn’t always simple. Read on and learn how to get their upstairs back to a comfortable temperature.  

1. Poor Circulation  

The number one reason your upstairs is hotter than the rest of your home is airflow. Or, to be more accurate, a lack of it. Hot air rises—if there is nothing moving it around or letting it escape, your upstairs will remain hot. Proper circulation, either with fans or circulating air systems, will fix this problem.

How to Fix It 

• Vent the house by opening an upstairs window and turning on any fans. Keep in mind that this is only a temporary solution.

• To address the circulation issues permanently, consider checking your attic ventilation with a smoke test to see if that’s where your hot air is being trapped.

• Make sure your vents aren’t clogged, as this can decimate your home’s ability to circulate air.

• If you can’t find the cause, call a pro.

2. Ineffective Air Conditioning Vent Locations  

There are good and bad locations for vents, but you may not always have the flexibility to choose where they go. Fix drafty vents near doors and windows and consider that vents placed on the floor cool less effectively than air conditioning vents placed in the ceiling (because cold air falls). 

How to Fix It 

• A short-term solution is to close all the vents on the ground floor, forcing cold air to the second floor. However, this affects the efficacy of the system and is not a true solution.   

• Make sure all vents are properly sealed to prevent air leaks. 

• If you have the budget, consider relocating the upstairs air conditioning vents to the ceiling. 

3. Weak Insulation Between Roof and Attic  

Many homes have asphalt-tiled roofs that collect and store solar heat. Insulation not only keeps your attic warm in the winter but also helps keep the heat out during hotter months. Insulation costs can be high—upwards of $1,800 for a home—but will make an enormous difference to the comfort of your home.

Insulation installation often has an ROI of 100% or more. Not only that, but the proper insulation can save on energy bills, making for a happy household budget.  

How to Fix It 

• The only way to fix this is by adding proper insulation. 

• Check the state of your insulation every year.  

4. HVAC Not Powerful Enough  

Sometimes, your upstairs is so hot because your HVAC system can’t handle the needs of your home. Remember that homes (and temperatures) can change over time. Temperature increases, more people living in the home, and other factors can all contribute to your HVAC system not being able to cool the house properly. It’s imperative you make sure your HVAC system is working properly.

How to Fix It 

• Check your filters, as old, clogged filters can affect airflow.

• Review your electricity bills. Any uneven charges based on previous years should be investigated. 

• Consider the benefits of installing an HVAC zoning system.

• Talk to a pro who can help you choose the right HVAC system for your home.  

5. Your Air Ducts Are Leaking

Sealed air ducts can develop leaks from issues like cracks, holes, or loose joints. According to Energy Star, the typical home with forced air heating will lose 20% to 30% of air this way. Hiring a heating professional to repair your ducts won’t just prevent temperature fluctuations, it’ll also increase your home’s energy efficiency and lower your utility bills.

How to Fix It 

• A pro will do a smoke test to check for leaks. 

• Sealing air ducts isn’t usually complicated or expensive. 

6. You Have More Windows Upstairs 

You’ll notice that rooms with the most sunlight (like a room with large south-facing windows) are a lot warmer than rooms with the least sunlight (like a basement with a hopper window). In this case, you can try to control the temperature by installing solar shades or putting a solar film on your windows. 

How to Fix It 

• There are many window coverings that can reduce solar heating.

• Most of these you can install yourself, but we still recommend a pro.

When to Call a Pro

If your upstairs is noticeably hotter than the rest of your home, you need to know that any DIY fix would only be temporary. The causes of this problem are not easily solved and involve larger projects like adding insulation or replacing an HVAC system.  

If you’re experiencing this issue, try to get some airflow going. After that, it’s time to talk to a local HVAC pro to discuss how to fix it. Most pros charge between $40 to $100—and don’t forget to check your contractor’s references