How to Fix Uneven Heating and Cooling in a Two-Story Home


How to Fix Uneven Heating and Cooling in a Two Story Home

April 10, 2024

If your two-story home feels hotter upstairs than on the main floor, or your lower floor is freezing while the upstairs bedrooms are just right, your house may have an uneven heating and cooling problem. The following article explores the possible reasons behind this issue, some DIY tricks you can try, and how Service Champions HVAC experts can help. 

Understanding the Causes

Structural issues in the home can make the upstairs hotter than the downstairs. Other easily fixable issues may be solved by a Service Champions team member with next-day service. 

Common causes of uneven heating include:

  • Leaking or broken air ducts

  • Insufficient insulation in the walls

  • Dirty furnace filters

  • Thermostat location

  • Thermostat malfunction

  • Blocked vents

If you need A/C repair, a new furnace, or help fixing the ductwork in your home, our team efficiently does it all at a reasonable cost.

DIY Solutions for Homeowners

California has hot summers and chilly, damp winters. The last thing you need is an unevenly heated home causing discomfort for you and your family. Some easy DIY fixes for a hot upstairs and cold downstairs in your home are:

  • Check for blocked soffit vents (the vents near the attic that allow outside air in)

  • Look for blockages in supply and return vents that obstruct airflow, such as rugs or drapes

  • Try switching the fan to “on” instead of leaving it on “auto” to circulate air continuously

  • Check for leaking air ducts and look for cracks or gaps in your home’s  ductwork

  • Check the insulation levels in your attic

Contact Service Champions if none of these solutions apply or if you’ve tried these tips and are still experiencing uneven home heating and cooling. We can help install a zoned system, add insulation, seal your ducts, or give you helpful advice in our online chat box or over the phone. 

Upgrading Thermostat and HVAC System

Reduced performance in your system makes it difficult to heat your home in the winter or keep the upstairs cool in the summer. HVAC efficiency problems can also raise your energy bill. If you’re in the Alameda, Santa Clara, Contra Costa, or Sacramento County areas, call Service Champions to upgrade your home with a more efficient HVAC system.

Uneven heating and cooling can be solved by using a “zoned” heating and cooling system. This system divides the home into two or more heating and cooling zones, each with:

  • Electronically controlled dampers in the ducts

  • Multiple thermostats

  • The ability to create different “temperature zones” in the home

Contact the team of certified technicians at Service Champions to upgrade your thermostat and HVAC system. We use state-of-the-art technology and high-quality service standards to get things done right the first time, with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. 

When to Call a Professional HVAC Technician

Some signs it’s time to call a professional HVAC technician are:

  • Parts coming off the HVAC system

  • Leaking ducts

  • Your home is too cold in the winter or too hot in the summer

  • Increased energy bill 

  • Your thermostat seems off

  • Strange smells, sounds, or leaks coming from the system

  • A fan won’t stop running 

  • You need annual maintenance on your system

  • AC or heat won’t turn on 

Call Service Champions with questions about your HVAC system. Our helpful, friendly experts are available to take your call, or chat live with a representative to determine the best course of action. 

Service Champions makes it easier to afford a more comfortable home. Our Know Before You Go Program gives you all the financial information you need, including financing options, to help you get the best system for your home.  

Energy-Efficient Solutions

If you’re experiencing uneven temperature in your home, try these  energy-efficient solutions:

  • Eliminate drafty areas and plug holes 

  • Replace old windows

  • Change your furnace filter

  • Open or close blinds to let in sunlight or block it out

  • Change your ceiling fan’s direction accordingly

  • Keep your HVAC equipment well-maintained 

  • Move furniture, rugs, etc., to avoid blocking heaters and vents

  • Add or upgrade insulation 

  • Have a programmable thermostat professionally installed in your home

Consider an ENERGY STAR-rated unit to get the most efficient system while saving money on your energy bill and doing your part to have a less wasteful home. Service Champions carries several brands, with AC and home heating products designed to suit a variety of California homes. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Uneven Home Heating

Why is my upstairs warmer than my downstairs?

Your HVAC system may be malfunctioning, or you could have a blocked vent, a leak, or an issue with your home’s insulation. If you’re not sure, call an expert. 

Should I consider upgrading my thermostat for better control?

An upgraded thermostat gives you better control over your home’s HVAC system performance, keeping you and your family comfortable even in winter. 

Is it necessary to have separate HVAC units for each floor?

It isn’t necessary, but an HVAC unit with two or more zones gives you more control over your home’s heating and cooling. 

Are there insulation improvements that can help even out temperatures?

Improper insulation allows heat and A/C to escape. Add or upgrade the insulation in the attic and walls to even out the temperature in your home. 

Should I schedule professional HVAC maintenance to address heating and cooling issues?

Schedule professional HVAC maintenance to address your home’s temperature imbalance and help prevent future issues. 

Call Service Champions Today For Your Home Heating Solutions 

Service Champions is dedicated to providing the best heating, cooling, and air quality services to the residents of the East Bay, South Bay, and Sacramento areas, including Pleasanton, San Jose, Concord, and more.

We stand by our work and guarantee you’ll be satisfied, or it’s free. Trust Service Champions technicians to get it right the first time, every time. 

To learn more about how we can help solve your home’s uneven heating and cooling, contact us at (833) 600-0991, join us online in a live chat, or schedule your in-home appointment with our convenient online calendar. 

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