How can i cool the upstairs of my old house?

Question

My house is almost 100 years old and the furnace is only 8. the central air works great, on the downstairs but the upstairs is still hot but bearable. the only idea i have is to put a fan in the window upstairs to try a suction effect. is this the best way?

Answer 1

It will to some effect but not much the if you add a small aircondition upstairs you should be fine

Answer 2

I assume you have the upstairs vented to the central air.

The upstairs will usually be warmer than the downstairs, because cold air falls and warm air rises.

Step 1: Make sure cool air is getting upstairs and doesn't come downstairs...

If you keep the hallway door, or all the room doors closed that will help keep cold air upstairs. Close off any vents in rooms that you are not using. Make sure the ductwork is relatively clean to help improve air flow. Place small fans over the ducts upstairs to help pull air out of the ductwork.

Step 2: Insure cold air is not leaking out of the house...

Check all the windows to make sure they are sealed and not leaking air. Keep window shades/blinds/curtains closed during the day. Install thermal reflective window films (like Gila brand). If you have an attic access, make sure it is sealed and insulated. Make sure hot air isn't getting in around light fixtures, bathroom fans, ceiling fans, etc. Make sure there is adequate insulation in the attic. Some companies can also add insulation to the walls without doing to much damage.

All this can cost a bit up front, but it will save you a ton on heating and cooling costs. I think there is also a federal tax deduction if you spend over a certain amount on improving energy efficency in your home.

Step 3: If cold air is still not getting or staying upstairs, you may need to add a small window air conditioner to the rooms you need to keep cold.

Answer 3

In addition to adding more attic/wall  insulation or attic vent fan, you can add a booster fan to the inside air ductwork that is wired to come on only with the A/C to help push the colder air up to the 2nd floor....cold air is denser than warm air and naturally wants to fall downwards. For a real long run, you may need two if possible. My two story Cape Cod has the same problem with 2nd floor rooms furthest from the furnace.

Answer 4

Install an attic fan on the roof, If you raise the windows on the shady side of the house in the morning and then at night and turn on the fan and leave the access open, you will cool the house faster and cheaper then AC, just use the AC between 3pm and 7pm, The Attic fan will suck the heat out and is a cheap quick fix easy to install. The really good ones are solar and you don't ever have to plug them in, and will save you lots of money on the not so extremely hot days. But for those days use the air and fan.  Get a good one, you want something just short of pulling his topee off his head.

Answer 5

Split system, like figure your square footage , and use the right unit , or, get a window heat pump.

Answer 6

See if you can make it so your return air to your AC unit is up stairs as close to the ceiling as possible. That way all air will move up stairs to be recirculated through the system.

Answer 7

A small window air conditioner is not very expensive and will cool one room such as your bedroom.

Answer 8

Depends on where you live, but you could always keep it closed up (Blinds & windows) and have a fan or two upthere.

Answer 9

That would be one good way.........heat rise's so try to vent the hip and ridge on the top.........if you can and let the heat out of the rafter bays.........or attic.......put it at the highest point. good luck

Answer 10

Other than completely redoing your HVAC system which would be really expensive you can try the upstairs fan in the window.  It will take a very powerful fan, though, to do this job.  You don't mention how much area you are trying to cool.  You may want to look at a window/wall a/c or a portable a/c.

If you do the fan in the window idea I would recommend at least 2 fans and in separate rooms.

Good luck

Answer 11

How's the attic insulation?  It could be bumped up as well as better attic ventilation to release summer's heat.  That helps alot.  But far simplier solution for today is to close the vents downstairs and force the cold air up stairs.  OK, leave a few open downstairs where people congregate, but close off those in little used areas.  

If you are in a humid environment, put a dehumidifier upstairs, reducing the moisture will make you feel cooler.  Also stir the air around with a fan.  You don't open windows with AC.

Answer 12

Most likely if you put a fan in the window you'd freeze up your A-Coil.  More than likely your house is poorly sealed, poorly insulated in walls and attic.  Also your windows if old are only single pane.  Your best bet is to add a window A/C unit for the upstairs and use it at night to cool off the upstairs to make it more comfortable for sleeping.

FYI...My house is 6 yrs old and the upstairs is only 3 degrees warmer than the downstairs.

Answer 13

fans

Answer 14

Don't open your windows if you use a central AC unit !!!!! you will be wasting money.....Check your air vents upstairs, you may need to open them up a little more or close off the ones downstairs.

Many home owners think they need a bigger AC unit when all they need to do is a air balance on their home.

A attic ventilator is a great way too reduce the heat load on your home, and Insulation is a must. Also fans will help move the air and make you feel cooler.