How to Cool Upstairs During the Summer With Ducts

Make sure the HVAC system is working properly. Have the system inspected by a heating and cooling professional. Check the ducts to ensure that no air leakage is occurring. Check to see if you have two trunk lines, one for downstairs and one for upstairs. A trunk line is the main line that carries air from the air conditioning unit to the rest of the house. Verify that the damper for second floor truck line is open. If necessary, install a more powerful fan in the HVAC system.

Close the downstairs vents to force cooler air upstairs. Keep in mind that this method, while it may work, can cause your compressor to wear out sooner than expected. The duct work was made to flow a certain amount of air. Changing the air flow can shorten the life of your air conditioning system.

Install a small-duct cooling system for the top floor. A small duct-less split unit can cool a main room and three smaller rooms on the same floor. The cool air comes from a ceiling cassette blower unit. The unit has 4-inch flex ducts that run to the other rooms.

Turn on the furnace fan. The furnace fan will circulate air throughout the house and balance out the cold and hot spots. The entire house will feel balanced and more comfortable.

Install a programmable thermostat. Program your thermostat to keep the house at a temperature that is comfortable for you. Set the thermostat so that it begins to cool your home 30 minutes prior to your return. This will ensure that the house is cooled sufficiently when you arrive.