AC Won’t Reach Upstairs Need Advice

6 years ago

I got a new furnace and ac unit installed last year for a 1,245 sq foot two story home last summer but the air has never really reached upstairs. There is only one thermostat downstairs but you can really feel air upstairs coming from the master bedroom closest to the garage. Will installing dampers fix this situation? I’ve been told by local specialists it won’t help and that I need to get a whole new dusting system installed. I have somebody coming on Monday that said dampers will help, but originally they wanted to install a $3,000 zoning system which I think is too much for a small home. Just looking for advice on what I should do. I made a DIY whole house fan that cools the house down in the evening, but the problem is the heat in the afternoon. They estimate the damper installation will cost between $300-$400.

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Comments (4)

tigerdunes
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
What size AC? Same as old condenser? Your complaint is quite typical. Usually it is a 2 fold problem, ductwork and attic insulation. If this is just a single damper control between the supply trunk lines, that may help by pushing more air upstairs. I would say it’s worth trying. You should also see if any insulation upgrade could help.

Good Luck!
mike_home
6 years ago
You can try closing all the vents on the first floor and see if that improves the air flow to the second floor. It it doesn't then installing dampers is not going to solve the problem.
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Kate
6 years ago
Not an expert, but I’ve seen the fans that are in the vents. That might help some?
shivece
6 years ago
If you are seriously considering $3,000 for new ducting, you should also investigate the cost of a little mini-split for the upstairs. Sounds like some insulation/caulking is also needed if cold air is obviously moving from the closet to the garage. Warm air rises, cool air falls, so you will need some energy to get cold air to move upstairs.