Attic heat above the ceiling plane
Insufficient insulation and a superheated attic push heat down into upstairs rooms all afternoon and evening.
Diagnostics
Why is my upstairs always hot?
Second floors in North Texas fight three things at once: heat rising from below, an attic that can reach far above outdoor temperature, and duct runs that lose capacity on the way upstairs. Adding equipment rarely fixes it. Fixing the path the heat takes usually does.
Every recommendation traces back to something we measured.
Likely causes
What's usually behind it
Long, leaky duct runs
Upstairs supplies are often the longest runs in the house, and they usually pass through the hottest space.
Undersized returns upstairs
Without adequate return air, upstairs rooms pressurize and starve for supply air.
Stack effect
Warm air rises and leaks out at the top of the house, drawing hot attic and outdoor air in behind it.
What we check
- Room-by-room temperature readings
- Supply airflow at upstairs registers
- Return-air sizing and location
- Attic insulation depth and coverage over the second floor
- Duct insulation, sealing and routing
- Thermostat location and zoning options
Improvements that resolve it
- Attic air sealing followed by insulation upgrade
- Duct sealing, re-routing or resizing
- Added or enlarged upstairs return
- Zoning or a dedicated system where the layout justifies it
- Roof-deck spray foam to bring ducts inside the thermal envelope
Related solutions
Where the fix comes from
Questions
Common questions
Will closing downstairs vents help?
It usually makes things worse. Closing registers raises duct pressure, increases leakage and can reduce total airflow across the coil.
Do I need a second system?
Sometimes, but it should be the last option considered — after airflow, duct condition and the attic envelope have been addressed.
Next step
Find out what's actually happening in your home
Request your free Home Energy & Comfort Assessment, or call 844-345-2335.
Prefer email? Write to hello@citadelenergyworks.com.