Is upstairs a/c unit running too much?

Question

I have a two story house with separate a/c units for upstairs and downstairs. During the summer the upstairs unit will run for about 12 hours straight without shutting off. The thermostat is set at 72 but the best it can do is to hold at about 77 degrees or so. Is this putting a strain on the unit maybe causing damage? Is there anything I can do to try and hold the cool air in upstairs?

Answer 1

Attic insulation is a good idea, but do not be fooled but claims made by any foil type fo insulation.

This type of insulation works up to a point. When the foil ages and gets dusty, it dulls and becomes ineffective. It can also create moisture problems by traping moisture.

Have someone come in and assess your attic insulation and ventilation. You may require more ventilation in the attic.

In a 2 storey building the stairway acts like a heat chimney if it is open from the basement to teh second floor. If there is a way to safely place doors at 2 levels to help prevent this chimney effect, it should put less strain on the 2nd floor air conditioner.

Selecting contractors:

1/ Look up local contractors first. work out form the closest
to your location. If some you trust has had work done
similar to yours, ask them about the contractor they
used. If they were completely satisfied with their
contractor(s), ask for their telephone number.

2/ Select at least 5 your are interested

3/ Do a google/yahoo search on each of the contractors
you are interested in; look for praises (check who is
writing the praises to see if they have any connection to
the contractor work in groups> google/yahoo search the people giving
the praise or references)

4/ When you are satisfied with at least 3 contractors have the give you written estimates with details of work to be done, terms, guarantee(s), cost of extras (how much do they charge if they find something not covered by the contract), paymant schedules if necessary, make sure they are fully licenced and insured, and whatever else you can think of to protect yourself.

5/ If the contractor tries to pressure you into signing the
contract immediately with a high deposit (more than
15%) reject that contractor. Be careful, high pressure
can be someone who sounds very convincing, but has
many reasons why you should sign on the dotted line
NOW.

6/ It is always good to have another adult with you when a
contractor inspects the work to be done.

7/ If you do not get at least 3 written estimates signed by the contractor - not you (do not sign yet) , go back to 1.

8/ Do this until you have selected at least 3 contractors.

9/ Read over the estimates and have someone check the who has some knowledge of this type of work.

This may take longer than you thought; do not rush into it. Research, resaerch research, helps. then make your decision when you are more informed.

Good Luck

Answer 2

You may need more insulation in your attic. The heat from downstairs and especially the heat from the roof is coming in faster then you can cool it.. If you can, put some new style insulation it your attic. It looks like foil covered bubble wrap. Don't be fooled by the thickness. It will reflect the summer heat out and the winter heat from your house will be reflected back in your house, It works great under the floors too. you could have warm floors all winter without installing a floor heater.