NV Energy
Living with an uncomfortably hot upstairs during the summer can be unbearable. Keeping a 2,000+ square foot, two-story house cool in the sweltering Las Vegas summer can be challenging due to the extreme heat. If your upstairs can’t get cool enough in the summer, you need to read this. Luckily, uneven temperatures are a fixable problem – even if you have an older house. Today, our HVAC tech's at Nevada Residential Services are willing to share some effective strategies to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature in a two story house, along with a discussion on whether it’s better to run one or two AC units.
Hot upstairs cold downstairs?
Ideally you need to get a
So first, lets try to think and find out the reasons on why your upstairs is too hot?
*Keep in mind that more than one issue can be happening at a time:
- Reason #1: Your air ducts aren’t working correctly
- Reason #2: You only have one thermostat for the entire house
- Reason #3: Your home has numerous air leaks
- Reason #4: Your roof and attic are retaining hot air
- Reason #5: Your AC system isn't powerful enough to handle the heat
Air Ducts
Place your hand near the floor vents on the second story of your home. If you don’t feel any cold air coming out, that’s a huge sign that your ductwork might be the issue or that your AC just isn’t good enough to service your whole house.
Thermostat
If your entire house is controlled by a single thermostat located on the first floor, your AC system isn't aware of the temperature upstairs. As a result, the thermostat will turn off the AC once the first floor is cool, leaving the people on your second story uncomfortably hot.
At least one thermostat per floor is ideal
*Important note: even the smartest thermostat is dependent on the quality and efficiency of your AC unit.
What else can be a problem? EnergyStar.gov estimates that up to 30% of the money people spend to heat and cool their homes in Las Vegas is lost because of air leakage problems. Identify where those holes are and try to seal them off. Its not an easy task thou, better get your house air sealed by NRS professionals, contact us to schedule an appointment.
Roof and Attic
Watch out for your rood and attic. The roof absorbs a significant amount of heat from the sun, which can radiate down into the upper floor making the second floor unbearably hot. If this area is uninsulated or under-insulated, the summertime temperatures up there can reach up to 150 degrees. Poor insulation, inadequate ventilation, and inefficient cooling systems can exacerbate the problem.
By properly insulating your roof, you create a thermal barrier that prevents outside air from entering and keeps indoor air inside, maintaining a more comfortable temperature on the second floor.
Seal Air Leaks and install or improve attic ventilation to allow hot air to escape. Ridge vents, soffit vents, and attic fans can all help reduce heat buildup.
AC unit
AC system that is more than 10 years old can be quite inefficient for various reasons. Old AC unit can struggle to keep your house cool and comfortable and will also waste a ton of energy along the way. If your summer energy bill suddenly skyrockets - this indicates that your AC isn’t up to the job any more!
Optimize Your Cooling System
A single unit might struggle to cool both floors evenly, especially in extreme heat. This can often lead to hot and cold spots in your home, with the upstairs often being warmer no matter what. Also single AC unit for a 2,000 square foot two-story house may have to work overtime to keep the entire house cool, leading to higher energy bills and potentially more frequent breakdowns due to the increased workload.
- Two-Unit System
Installing two units is more expensive initially. But with two units, you can independently control the temperature on each floor. Consider installing a second AC unit dedicated to the upstairs. This allows for more precise temperature control and can prevent your main unit from overworking.
- Zoned Cooling
If installing a second unit is not feasible, look into a zoned cooling system. This system uses dampers in the ductwork to direct airflow to different parts of your home, allowing for targeted cooling.
- Smart Thermostat Settings
- Daytime
When you're at home, set your thermostat to around 78°F. If you're away, increase the temperature to about 85°F to save energy while still preventing excessive heat buildup. - Nighttime
At night, lower the thermostat to 72-74°F for a cooler sleeping environment. If you have a two-unit system, you can adjust the upstairs unit separately to ensure a comfortable temperature in the bedrooms.
- Daytime
Dont underestimate the effect of window treatments. Use blackout curtains or shades to block out the sun’s heat during the hottest parts of the day, especially from the sunny side of the house. Close them in the morning and keep them shut until the evening. You can also apply reflective window film to reduce solar gain. This film reflects a portion of the sun’s rays, keeping your home cooler.
Regular AC Maintenance
Regardless of how good is your insulation and how many AC units you have, regular HVAC maintenance is crucial. Change filters every few months, and schedule professional check-ups at least once a year to keep your system running smoothly.
In summary, for a 2,000 square foot two-story house in Las Vegas, running two AC units is typically the better choice for comfort and efficiency, despite the higher initial cost and maintenance complexity. It allows for better temperature control and can save energy in the long run. However, if budget constraints are a concern, a single, well-maintained unit with a zoning system can also be effective. Whatever you choose, proper thermostat management and regular maintenance are key to staying cool and comfortable in the desert heat.
Remember, the key is a combination of proper insulation, efficient cooling systems, and smart use of ventilation and window treatments.
