Although multi-story homes come with many benefits, there are also a few drawbacks. Perhaps the biggest issue with multi-story homes is the fact that they don’t provide even cooling. The temperature on your floor levels might never seem right, and the discomfort could affect you in the summer. Even worse, your uneven cooling could cause you to be in need of home air conditioner repair.

Use a Multi-Zone System

First, you should consider using a multi-zone cooling system. Your home has very specific cooling needs, and a regular AC isn’t capable of handling those needs. If you have more than one story in your home, you need to take measures to make sure you have an air conditioning system ready for the job. A multi-zone system uses blower fans and dampers to control the airflow. Instead of having one thermostat to control the temperature in your home, you use multiple thermostats to control the temperature on each floor. But your home might not have a multi-zone system in it. If this is the case, you need to work with a heating and cooling specialist. You might need to install a multi-zone system before you can have a comfortable home.

Get a Programmable Thermostat

You should also have a programmable thermostat. If you don’t already have this type of thermostat, you don’t have much control over the temperature in your home. With a programmable thermostat, you can adjust the temperature to be higher when you’re not home. One of the benefits of a programmable thermostat is having a system that gives you more efficiency. And, when you have an efficient cooling system, you save money on energy bills and extend the life of your AC. Think about the toll on your AC when it’s working its hardest – the wear and tear could make your air conditioner break down or fail. By reducing your AC’s workload, you increase its efficiency and lifespan. You should always set the top floor of your home to your ideal temperature. As you drop levels, decrease the temperature by two degrees. Doing so will allow you to keep your home at the perfect comfort level.

Smart Thermostats

If you’re not already familiar with smart thermostats, take a trip to your local hardware store. There are many types of thermostats that connect with your HVAC system to provide ultimate control and comfort. Choose one that gives you the most convenience and comfort. It’s easy to see how smart thermostats can make a big difference in your comfort and energy efficiency. For one, they are simple to control. The push of a button on your phone allows you to adjust the temperature. Furthermore, the thermostats help you find the most energy-efficient settings.

Use an Attic Fan

By nature, hot air rises. This makes it nearly impossible for your home to remain at a consistent temperature. In your attic, the hot air will collect and remain in one place. The best way to keep this from occurring is to install an attic fan. When the air rises to your attic, it eventually makes its way outside. If you buy a certain thermostat, you can use it to turn the fan on when the temperature in your attic gets too high. It’s a simple solution that keeps your home cool on the warmest of days.

Open Your Doors

No, you shouldn’t keep the front and back doors of your home open. But you should open the interior doors of your home. If any of your doors are closed, hot air becomes trapped. Air can’t circulate, and your home will be an uncomfortable place. At first, you might find it difficult to keep your doors open. However, after a short time, you can get into the routine of keeping the doors open. You may even be able to convince your kids to do the same.

Close Your Drapes and Blinds

To give your air conditioner a break, you should keep your drapes and blinds closed. Although it’s useful to do this on all of your floors, it’s especially important on your second floor. A first-floor thermostat won’t read the temperature on the second floor, and that means the AC won’t adjust to cool your home enough. If you want to keep your second story cooler, you can close your shades and drapes. You may also be able to use a window film to minimize the heat that comes into your home. Typically, limiting the heat and sunlight makes the second-floor temperature closer to the first floor.

Close First-Floor Registers

If you find that none of the tips above seem to help, close your first-floor registers. But don’t close them all the way, or your air conditioner will need to work too hard, and you will need air conditioning repair. When you partially close the registers, you allow more air to flow upstairs. This cools down the upper levels and keeps your home cool.

Switch the Fan to “On” Mode

Usually, you should leave your thermostat fan set to “auto” mode. But you may want to keep your fan on “on” mode if you have multiple stories in your home. This setting forces your fan to constantly blow, which circulates the air.

Use Ceiling Fans

Just as your AC fan keeps the air moving, ceiling fans improve air circulation. People often hesitate to use their fans because of the energy use, but fans can make your system more efficient. If the rooms in your home don’t have ceiling fans, consider installing them. They’re more effective than floor fans because they circulate the hot air that’s rising.

Do You Need Home Air Conditioner Repair?

If you have a multi-story home and don’t have an AC that can tackle your cooling needs, you may soon need air conditioner repair. Whether you need an AC repair or you want to know how to improve your home’s cooling needs, call us at Home Comfort Solutions. Our team provides home air conditioner repair services as well as maintenance. You can trust us with your air conditioner.

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