Bedroom Ac: Cool Upstairs With These Tips

If you live in a two-storey home, you may have noticed that the temperature gets much warmer upstairs. This is because warm air rises and cold air sinks, so your AC unit pushes cold air up, and the heat lingers on the second floor. There are several ways to get more air conditioning upstairs:

- Clean the air filter in your AC

- Install a window air conditioner upstairs

- Replace the AC system

- Use your air supply registers efficiently

- Seal the windows and open the doors upstairs

- Close the curtains and turn off the lights upstairs

- Insulate your attic

- Turn the fan on to increase airflow

- Increase the size of the second-floor return duct and vent to remove hot air

- Put smaller return vents and ducts in each room

- Invest in a dual-zone setup

- Have a professional inspect the ductwork

- Purchase a new air conditioner

Clean your AC filter

To clean your AC filter, start by turning off your AC unit. Next, locate and remove the filter. Some units have multiple filters, so check all vents and consult your owner's manual if you're unsure. Once you've removed the filter, use a vacuum to remove any large particles. Then, rinse the filter gently with water, or soak it in a mixture of vinegar and water for a deeper clean. Finally, allow the filter to dry completely before reinstalling it. It's recommended to clean your AC filter regularly, especially if you have pets or allergies, or if you're using your AC frequently.

• Turn off the AC unit: Before you begin cleaning, make sure your AC unit is turned off to prevent unfiltered air from circulating.
• Remove the filter: Locate and remove the filter from your AC unit. Some units have multiple filters, so check all vents. If you're unsure where the filter is, refer to your owner's manual.
• Vacuum the filter: Use a vacuum to remove large particles and dust from the filter. This will make the next step easier.
• Rinse or soak the filter: Gently rinse the filter with water, or for a deeper clean, soak it in a mixture of vinegar and water for about an hour. This will help remove any built-up dirt and grime.
• Dry the filter: Allow the filter to air dry completely before reinstalling it. You can also use a cloth or paper towels to absorb any excess water.
• Reinstall the filter: Once the filter is completely dry, put it back into your AC unit.
• Check for damage: Before reinstalling, inspect the filter for any signs of damage, such as holes or tears. If the filter is damaged, it's best to replace it with a new one.
• Clean other parts: In addition to cleaning the filter, you can also vacuum or wipe down the fins of a window AC unit to remove dust and debris. For outdoor central AC units, remove large debris by hand and use a hose to wash off smaller debris.
• Clean regularly: It's important to clean your AC filter regularly, especially if you have pets or allergies, or if you use your AC frequently. Aim to clean it at least once a month, or more often if it gets dirty quickly.
• Replace when necessary: Over time, your AC filter will wear out and need to be replaced. Look for signs of damage, such as tears or holes, and replace the filter when necessary.

Install a window AC unit upstairs

If your upstairs bedroom is too warm, it may be a sign that your air conditioning unit isn't powerful enough to cool your entire house. In this case, you can install a window air conditioner near the hotspots in your house, such as the upstairs bedrooms. This will give a boost of cooling power, and the nearby areas will feel colder almost instantly.

Prepare the Window and AC Unit

Firstly, check that your window is sturdy enough to support the weight of the air conditioning unit. Ensure there is no rot or damage around the window frame and make any necessary repairs. It is also important to determine whether you will use a support bracket, which can minimise the chance of damage to the window and outside wall. If you opt for a support bracket, attach it using the provided hardware and open the lower window sash.

Place and Secure the Air Conditioner

Installing a window AC unit requires two people as the units are very heavy. Carefully lift the air conditioner with the help of an assistant and place it inside the open window. Rest the unit on the bottom of the window frame and mounting support bracket, centring it in the window. Pull the upper window sash down to the top of the box and behind the upper flange for added stability.

Secure the Air Conditioner

Use screws to attach the cabinet and/or flange guide to the window sash and window stool of the unit. Attach an L-shaped window locking bracket to the upper window sash with a screw to prevent the lower sash from accidentally opening. You can use a power drill to make a pilot hole for the screw and then tighten the bracket with a screwdriver.

Fasten the Side Panels

Extend the accordion panels from both sides of the air conditioner to the window sash track and secure them with screws. Cut a foam insulating strip to the correct length and insert it between the upper and lower window sashes to fill any gaps. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions to ensure you have used all the included hardware.

Final Steps

Finally, plug the air conditioner into an outlet and turn on the unit. You may also want to use non-adhesive foam stripping to fill the gap between the window sashes. Regularly clean the air conditioner filter to optimise performance.

Replace your AC system

If your air conditioning unit is not effectively cooling the upstairs of your home, it may be time to replace it. Air conditioners tend to malfunction, break apart, and perform less efficiently over time.

Before replacing your AC, you should first consult an HVAC professional to determine whether your current unit simply requires maintenance or if the existing damage is beyond repair. If your AC is old and deteriorated, a replacement is likely necessary.

When replacing your air conditioner, consult with HVAC professionals to ensure you're upgrading to a model that is properly sized and has enough cooling power for your entire home.

• Ensure your air supply registers are being used efficiently by opening the upstairs registers and closing some of the ventilation points downstairs.
• Move any clutter that may be obstructing the registers to improve air circulation.
• Seal windows and open doors upstairs to improve airflow.
• Reduce heat sources in your home, such as sunlight and lightbulbs, especially on the second floor.
• Insulate your attic to prevent heat from building up in the summer.

Use your air supply registers efficiently

To get more out of your air supply registers, you need to ensure they are being used efficiently. Here are some tips to help you do this:

Open upstairs registers and close some downstairs

By opening the registers upstairs and closing some of the ventilation points downstairs, you can guide the airflow in a certain direction. This may help to make the temperatures on the higher floors colder.

Ensure registers are not obstructed

Make sure that registers are not blocked by furniture or clutter. Move any obstacles out of the way to improve air circulation.

Install high-level returns

High-level return registers draw hot air that has risen to the ceiling back into the system to cool it again. Without these, low-level registers will draw cooler air back into the system, leaving rooms with warm air at the ceiling. If you have a two-story home, installing high-level returns on the second floor will increase comfort and energy savings.

Install supply registers on outer walls and under windows

For optimal comfort, supply registers should be placed on outer walls and under windows. This will ensure the cool air reaches the room effectively.

Ensure supply and return registers are not too close together

If your supply and return registers are too close to each other, the air may not be able to circulate properly. The return register will quickly draw the supply air back into the ductwork, reducing circulation.

Replace registers with adjustable dampers

Most air ducts and ventilation outlets use registers to control the direction of the airflow. Registers have adjustable dampers, which can be used to control the airflow direction or shut off the flow entirely.

Seal the windows and open the doors upstairs

Sealing the windows and opening the doors upstairs is an effective way to improve the airflow in your home and make the air conditioning colder upstairs.

Step 1: Check for Leaks

Start by checking each window in your house. It is possible that one or more windows are leaking, allowing the cold air produced by your air conditioning to escape through tiny cracks and gaps.

Step 2: Seal Your Windows

To prevent air leaks and improve energy efficiency, seal your windows properly. You can also replace old windows with new, energy-efficient ones to keep the house cooler.

• Remove interior trim: Use a utility knife to cut through any dried paint along the edge of the trim. Then, use a flexible putty knife and a pry bar to gently pry out the trim. If the trim seems like it might crack, insert a second putty knife between the pry bar and the trim for added protection.
• Remove old nails: Pull out the old nails using pliers. Pull the nails through the back of the trim to avoid splintering the wood. If a nail breaks, cut it as close as possible to the wood and leave the remaining nub, as it will be buried when you reinstall the trim.
• Remove insulation: Pull out any loose insulation from the gap between the wall and the frame.
• Add new insulation: Apply an insulating sealant, such as DAP Touch 'n Seal No-Warp Foam, to fill small and large gaps. Shake the can and hold it upside down, slowly pulling the trigger to release the foam. As the foam will expand, fill the gap no more than one-third full.
• Remove excess sealant: Once the foam has dried, use a utility knife to slice off any excess.
• Reattach the trim: Clean out any debris between the trim and the wall. Fill and seal any remaining gaps and cracks with a sealant such as DAP Alex Flex Premium Molding & Trim Sealant. Cut the nozzle of the cartridge at a 45-degree angle and insert it into a caulk gun. Squeeze the trigger to fill the gap with sealant.

Step 3: Open Upstairs Doors

In addition to sealing your windows, you should leave the doors upstairs open as much as possible. Opening the doors creates a passageway for air to flow freely, helping to make the air conditioning colder in the upstairs rooms.

Frequently asked questions