Do You Need a Second Air Conditioner for Upstairs?

Summer temperatures in Amarillo, TX, typically reach into the 90s and occasionally soar to the 100-degree mark several times each year. If you have a two-story home here in Amarillo, you may wonder whether you need a second air conditioner for the upstairs rooms. The pros at Amarillo Air Conditioning specialize in air conditioner installation and replacement, and they have some helpful insight into why upstairs rooms are harder to cool, tips about whether you need another air conditioner, and some options for keeping your two-story home cool all summer.

Why Upstairs Rooms Are Harder to Cool

When you go to the second story of your home, you may notice that the temperature is noticeably warmer. But why are upstairs rooms harder to cool, and what makes keeping two-story homes comfortable in summer such a challenge? Here are some of the reasons why keeping the upstairs portion of your home cool is much more difficult than the downstairs.

• Heat rises naturally, so the hot (or warmer) air will gravitate upward, making the second story of your home much warmer automatically.
• Homes with poor or inadequate insulation experience air loss, so the cooled air escapes through the attic, leaving the upstairs uncomfortably warm.
• Attics without proper ventilation may trap warm air, further making the second floor much warmer than the first floor.
• Leaky or poorly installed ductwork restricts the flow of cooled air to the upstairs.
• If your air conditioning system is not sized correctly, it won’t be able to keep up with the demand to cool the second floor of your home.
• Any windows in the upstairs portion of your home will contribute to heat gain via sunlight coming into the second story, making the area harder to cool.

Signs You Might Need a Second Air Conditioner

You may wonder whether adding a second HVAC system is a wise choice. Look for these signs, which may indicate that adding a second AC unit for your upstairs is a good idea.  

Uneven cooling

If certain rooms feel much hotter or colder than others, your existing AC is not distributing the cooled air evenly throughout your home. Hot spots where certain areas feel warmer are another red flag. Homes with unusual layouts or areas where rooms are isolated from others may also experience warmer temperatures and inadequate or uneven cooling.

High humidity

High humidity inside your home can make it feel damp or sticky, even when your AC is running. This could mean that your current system can’t dehumidify your home enough. You may also notice mold or mildew, which could mean that certain areas are too humid due to inadequate cooling or ventilation. 

Performance issues

If your air conditioner is running nonstop without ever reaching the desired temperature, you may need a second unit. Weak or reduced airflow from vents may also be a sign that the current system can’t keep up with demand. Warm air coming from the vents is another sign that your AC may need professional attention, or that you need a second unit to keep the air cool upstairs. 

Options for Cooling Your 2-Story House

If you think you need two air conditioners in one house, it’s important to know what your options are and what to consider during AC replacement. Remember these tips to help you determine which of these options might be right for your two-story home.

Add or upgrade?

Homes that are 3,000 square feet or larger almost always need two air conditioners to cool the home properly. Even if you upgrade your current AC to a more powerful or larger model, it won’t be enough to cool a home of this size, so adding a second unit is recommended. Having a second unit also gives you a backup in case the other one fails, so your entire home doesn’t get too warm when temperatures rise.

What about mini-splits?

Ductless mini-splits offer zoned cooling and major energy savings, but can you add a mini-split to your central air system? Yes, you can add a mini-split to a home with a central air conditioning system, making it easier to cool specific rooms without paying for a second full unit or cumbersome ductwork. This is a smart way to cool certain rooms upstairs whenever you need to, while saving money on energy usage and other costs. 

How to cool the upstairs without a second unit?

If you’re not ready to install a second AC unit, there are other ways to keep your upstairs cool, including installing ceiling fans and upgrading attic insulation. You may also choose to add a window unit to certain rooms, like the bedrooms, to keep things cooler. Other ways to cool the upstairs without a second unit include using thermal curtains to block sunlight, using a dehumidifier, and opening windows during cooler periods to improve air circulation. 

Benefits of Installing a Second Air Conditioner

As you consider which option is best for you, consider these benefits of installing a second air conditioner. 

• A second air conditioner eliminates hot spots and gives you targeted cooling exclusively for the upstairs portion of your home.
• Having two air conditioners gives you a backup just in case one of them fails or malfunctions.
• Installing a second AC puts less strain on the original unit and will prolong the lifespan of both systems, since they won’t have to work harder to keep the entire home cool at once.
• If both units are operating optimally, there will be less wear and tear on each of them, resulting in fewer breakdowns.
• It only takes approximately one or two days to install a second system, so you’ll get the benefits of having a cooler, more comfortable upstairs fast. 

Contact Amarillo Air Today!

From the beautiful Bushland, TX, to Amarillo and beyond, the pros at Amarillo Air Conditioning are available to install a second AC for your two-story home. Adding a second unit or installing a mini-split system is a smart way to keep your entire home comfortable and cool all summer long. If you’re ready to book your second AC installation, contact us today!