How to Get Heat Upstairs With a Vent in the Floor

Remove Obstructions and Leaks

• Floor vents often get covered by rugs and furniture, and even a partially blocked vent reduces the furnace's ability to deliver heat to the second floor. Go into each room of the second floor to check for floor vents that may be blocked and remove obstructions. Likewise, check the ducts for leaks and repair any that you find.

Closing Other Vents

• Close all the vents on the lower floor once that floor is properly heated and then close the vents in rooms upstairs that you don't use. This increases the heat reaching the rooms you use on the second floor.

Furnace Maintenance

• The furnace needs to run optimally to deliver heat to every room. While a poorly maintained furnace may be able to heat the lower level, rooms on the second floor may remain cold. Heat does rise, but it dissipates as it reaches the second level. Replacing filters and having the furnace serviced at the start of the cold season maximizes performance and prevents leaks. In addition, having the ducts cleaned may remove dust and pollutants that reduce furnace efficiency.

Alternatives

• If the second floor is still cold, your furnace may be underpowered for your home. A new furnace with more power helps heat the whole house if you can afford it. Electric space heaters are another option in rooms that are still under-heated through the vent system. They'll raise the total on your electricity bill but will make the second floor more comfortable.