I have a 1250 sq ft two story house, the upstairs is not cooling down like the
downstairs. It's 82f outside with 60% humidity, tstat set to 73 and my unit
runs 21 mins and off 10 min. Wondering if my cycle time is ok and how can I
get the upstairs cooler, it stays around 78.

Thanks LW1717

--
for full context, visit https://www.homeownershub.com/mainte...g-1136472-.htm

On 7/1/2017 11:14 PM, LW1717 wrote:
I have a 1250 sq ft two story house, the upstairs is not cooling down
like the
downstairs. It's 82f outside with 60% humidity, tstat set to 73 and my unit
runs 21 mins and off 10 min. Wondering if my cycle time is ok and how can I
get the upstairs cooler, it stays around 78.
Thanks LW1717


Have you always had a difference? Sounds like a circulation problem.
First, check that the filters are clean so you are getting full air flow.

Next, check the dampers in each room. You may want to close down the
ones on the lower level to get more air pushed upstairs. You may want
to consider better attic ventilation to get the heat out so it does not
radiate into the house.

You also want to check that air is getting back down to the AC so it can
be cooled. If return vents got blocked that adds to the problem.

On Saturday, July 1, 2017 at 11:33:21 PM UTC-4, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
On 7/1/2017 11:14 PM, LW1717 wrote:
I have a 1250 sq ft two story house, the upstairs is not cooling down
like the
downstairs. It's 82f outside with 60% humidity, tstat set to 73 and my unit
runs 21 mins and off 10 min. Wondering if my cycle time is ok and how can I
get the upstairs cooler, it stays around 78.
Thanks LW1717


Have you always had a difference? Sounds like a circulation problem.
First, check that the filters are clean so you are getting full air flow.

Next, check the dampers in each room. You may want to close down the
ones on the lower level to get more air pushed upstairs. You may want
to consider better attic ventilation to get the heat out so it does not
radiate into the house.

You also want to check that air is getting back down to the AC so it can
be cooled. If return vents got blocked that adds to the problem.

+1

It's a common problem. A difference of 3 degrees is common. Not having sufficient returns upstairs is common. Adding them can help, but often that isn't possible.

Check the ducting that can be seen to make sure it's intact, ie that a taped joint hasn't fallen apart. Additional attic insulation could help and reduce heating bills too. Finally, installing a mini-split AC upstairs is a possible solution.

On Saturday, July 1, 2017 at 10:14:08 PM UTC-5, LW1717 wrote:
I have a 1250 sq ft two story house, the upstairs is not cooling down like the
downstairs. It's 82f outside with 60% humidity, tstat set to 73 and my unit
runs 21 mins and off 10 min. Wondering if my cycle time is ok and how can I
get the upstairs cooler, it stays around 78.

Thanks LW1717
--



Consider installing one or more "Duct Fans" in the ductwork supplying conditioned air to your second story. This will move cooler air from the first floor to the second floor continuously thus helping to equalize the temperature of the house. There are several types. Inline for round duct, the squirrel cage variety that in installed in a rectangular cutout in the side of a duct then the type that slips into the register cutout and plugs into an electrical outlet. ヽ(ヅ)ノ

https://www.houselogic.com/organize-.../booster-fans/

http://www.single-family-home-remode.../duct-fan.html

http://www.hvacquick.com/products/re...r-Booster-Fans

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Inductor-...B208/100080191

[8~{} Uncle Duct Monster

On 7/1/2017 11:14 PM, LW1717 wrote:
I have a 1250 sq ft two story house, the upstairs is not cooling down
like the
downstairs. It's 82f outside with 60% humidity, tstat set to 73 and my unit
runs 21 mins and off 10 min. Wondering if my cycle time is ok and how can I
get the upstairs cooler, it stays around 78.
Thanks LW1717


Hot air rises and the upstairs will always be warmer. If you have poor
attic insulation, you'll be fighting a losing battle. Otherwise, close
most vents which lead to the downstairs and basement(if applicable).
Closing the vents to the other areas of the house will force more cool
air upward. I also suggest sealing all duct seams, if it's not already
done.

Ensure the vents are not covered upstairs. Clear any furniture and
clutter which may be blocking airflow.

Consider using a vent fan, box fan or ceiling fan to draw out the air.

On Saturday, July 1, 2017 at 11:14:08 PM UTC-4, LW1717 wrote:
I have a 1250 sq ft two story house, the upstairs is not cooling down like the
downstairs. It's 82f outside with 60% humidity, tstat set to 73 and my unit
runs 21 mins and off 10 min. Wondering if my cycle time is ok and how can I
get the upstairs cooler, it stays around 78.

Thanks LW1717

--
for full context, visit https://www.homeownershub.com/mainte...g-1136472-.htm

On Sunday, July 2, 2017 at 5:01:39 AM UTC-4, Uncle Monster wrote:
On Saturday, July 1, 2017 at 10:14:08 PM UTC-5, LW1717 wrote:
I have a 1250 sq ft two story house, the upstairs is not cooling down like the
downstairs. It's 82f outside with 60% humidity, tstat set to 73 and my unit
runs 21 mins and off 10 min. Wondering if my cycle time is ok and how can I
get the upstairs cooler, it stays around 78.

Thanks LW1717
--



Consider installing one or more "Duct Fans" in the ductwork supplying conditioned air to your second story. This will move cooler air from the first floor to the second floor continuously thus helping to equalize the temperature of the house. There are several types. Inline for round duct, the squirrel cage variety that in installed in a rectangular cutout in the side of a duct then the type that slips into the register cutout and plugs into an electrical outlet. ヽ(ヅ)ノ

https://www.houselogic.com/organize-.../booster-fans/

http://www.single-family-home-remode.../duct-fan.html

http://www.hvacquick.com/products/re...r-Booster-Fans

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Inductor-...B208/100080191

[8~{} Uncle Duct Monster

I installed one of the squirrel cage style ones in a duct supplying upstairs and it made no difference. I measured the flow before and after and no difference in cooling either.

On 07/01/2017 11:14 PM, LW1717 wrote:
I have a 1250 sq ft two story house, the upstairs is not cooling down
like the
downstairs. It's 82f outside with 60% humidity, tstat set to 73 and my
unit
runs 21 mins and off 10 min. Wondering if my cycle time is ok and how
can I
get the upstairs cooler, it stays around 78.
Thanks LW1717


Check your attic temp and if it's much warmer than outdoor ambient,
install some soffit vents and an attic fan.

On Sunday, July 2, 2017 at 9:05:57 AM UTC-4, Aire Caliente wrote:
On 07/01/2017 11:14 PM, LW1717 wrote:
I have a 1250 sq ft two story house, the upstairs is not cooling down
like the
downstairs. It's 82f outside with 60% humidity, tstat set to 73 and my
unit
runs 21 mins and off 10 min. Wondering if my cycle time is ok and how
can I
get the upstairs cooler, it stays around 78.
Thanks LW1717


Check your attic temp and if it's much warmer than outdoor ambient,
install some soffit vents and an attic fan.

An attic is always going to be much warmer than ambient in summer in full sun, seeing 30 Deg difference isn't unusual. That's what insulation is for. The attic should have adequate ventilation to keep the temperature from going to extremes and to prevent moisture. Most building experts today recommend ridge venting and not using fans.

On Sun, 2 Jul 2017 08:44:39 -0700 (PDT), trader_4
wrote:

On Sunday, July 2, 2017 at 9:05:57 AM UTC-4, Aire Caliente wrote:
On 07/01/2017 11:14 PM, LW1717 wrote:
I have a 1250 sq ft two story house, the upstairs is not cooling down
like the
downstairs. It's 82f outside with 60% humidity, tstat set to 73 and my
unit
runs 21 mins and off 10 min. Wondering if my cycle time is ok and how
can I
get the upstairs cooler, it stays around 78.
Thanks LW1717


Check your attic temp and if it's much warmer than outdoor ambient,
install some soffit vents and an attic fan.

An attic is always going to be much warmer than ambient in summer in full sun, seeing 30 Deg difference isn't unusual. That's what insulation is for. The attic should have adequate ventilation to keep the temperature from going to extremes and to prevent moisture. Most building experts today recommend ridge venting and not using fans.

I am curious about your "most building experts" statement. Do you
have a citation which can provide further information? I have
enthusiastically endorsed, for many years, the use of ball style, wind
powered, turbine attic ventilators.

I am curious why passive ridge venting would be superior to active,
wind powered ventilation.

On 7/2/2017 11:56 AM, Stormin' Norman wrote:
On Sun, 2 Jul 2017 08:44:39 -0700 (PDT), trader_4
wrote:

On Sunday, July 2, 2017 at 9:05:57 AM UTC-4, Aire Caliente wrote:
On 07/01/2017 11:14 PM, LW1717 wrote:
I have a 1250 sq ft two story house, the upstairs is not cooling down
like the
downstairs. It's 82f outside with 60% humidity, tstat set to 73 and my
unit
runs 21 mins and off 10 min. Wondering if my cycle time is ok and how
can I
get the upstairs cooler, it stays around 78.
Thanks LW1717


Check your attic temp and if it's much warmer than outdoor ambient,
install some soffit vents and an attic fan.

An attic is always going to be much warmer than ambient in summer in full sun, seeing 30 Deg difference isn't unusual. That's what insulation is for. The attic should have adequate ventilation to keep the temperature from going to extremes and to prevent moisture. Most building experts today recommend ridge venting and not using fans.

I am curious about your "most building experts" statement. Do you
have a citation which can provide further information? I have
enthusiastically endorsed, for many years, the use of ball style, wind
powered, turbine attic ventilators.

I am curious why passive ridge venting would be superior to active,
wind powered ventilation.



He said fans, not turbine ventilators. Fans are problematic, fail, even
start fires. Turbines stop working too. Ridge vents are passive and work.

On Sun, 2 Jul 2017 14:35:05 -0400, Ed Pawlowski wrote:

On 7/2/2017 11:56 AM, Stormin' Norman wrote:
On Sun, 2 Jul 2017 08:44:39 -0700 (PDT), trader_4
wrote:

On Sunday, July 2, 2017 at 9:05:57 AM UTC-4, Aire Caliente wrote:
On 07/01/2017 11:14 PM, LW1717 wrote:
I have a 1250 sq ft two story house, the upstairs is not cooling down
like the
downstairs. It's 82f outside with 60% humidity, tstat set to 73 and my
unit
runs 21 mins and off 10 min. Wondering if my cycle time is ok and how
can I
get the upstairs cooler, it stays around 78.
Thanks LW1717


Check your attic temp and if it's much warmer than outdoor ambient,
install some soffit vents and an attic fan.

An attic is always going to be much warmer than ambient in summer in full sun, seeing 30 Deg difference isn't unusual. That's what insulation is for. The attic should have adequate ventilation to keep the temperature from going to extremes and to prevent moisture. Most building experts today recommend ridge venting and not using fans.

I am curious about your "most building experts" statement. Do you
have a citation which can provide further information? I have
enthusiastically endorsed, for many years, the use of ball style, wind
powered, turbine attic ventilators.

I am curious why passive ridge venting would be superior to active,
wind powered ventilation.



He said fans, not turbine ventilators. Fans are problematic, fail, even
start fires. Turbines stop working too. Ridge vents are passive and work.

Thanks Ed. If you re-read my post, I did not write that Trader spoke
of turbine ventilators, I simply expressed my appreciation of the
devices.

As for the effectiveness of ridge vents, There is little doubt they
facilitate ventilation, and, other than their low maintenance
characteristics, I am wondering why they would be superior to an
active device.

On Sunday, July 2, 2017 at 1:35:09 PM UTC-5, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
On 7/2/2017 11:56 AM, Stormin' Norman wrote:
On Sun, 2 Jul 2017 08:44:39 -0700 (PDT), trader_4
wrote:

On Sunday, July 2, 2017 at 9:05:57 AM UTC-4, Aire Caliente wrote:
On 07/01/2017 11:14 PM, LW1717 wrote:
I have a 1250 sq ft two story house, the upstairs is not cooling down
like the
downstairs. It's 82f outside with 60% humidity, tstat set to 73 and my
unit
runs 21 mins and off 10 min. Wondering if my cycle time is ok and how
can I
get the upstairs cooler, it stays around 78.
Thanks LW1717

Check your attic temp and if it's much warmer than outdoor ambient,
install some soffit vents and an attic fan.

An attic is always going to be much warmer than ambient in summer in full sun, seeing 30 Deg difference isn't unusual. That's what insulation is for. The attic should have adequate ventilation to keep the temperature from going to extremes and to prevent moisture. Most building experts today recommend ridge venting and not using fans.

I am curious about your "most building experts" statement. Do you
have a citation which can provide further information? I have
enthusiastically endorsed, for many years, the use of ball style, wind
powered, turbine attic ventilators.

I am curious why passive ridge venting would be superior to active,
wind powered ventilation.

He said fans, not turbine ventilators. Fans are problematic, fail, even
start fires. Turbines stop working too. Ridge vents are passive and work.


A local roofing company sells the Attic Breeze solar powered attic ventilators that have a lifetime warranty. The units are manufactured in Texas.ヽ(ヅ)ノ

http://www.atticbreeze.net/homeowners.html

[8~{} Uncle Attic Monster

On Sun, 02 Jul 2017 03:14:03 GMT, LW1717
m wrote:

I have a 1250 sq ft two story house, the upstairs is not cooling down like the
downstairs. It's 82f outside with 60% humidity, tstat set to 73 and my unit
runs 21 mins and off 10 min. Wondering if my cycle time is ok and how can I
get the upstairs cooler, it stays around 78.

Thanks LW1717

If you have an attic scuttle access. MAKE certain the opening is
sealed - stopping transfer of hot and cool air exchange. YMMV

Does the 2nd floor have a T-stat? Tell us more. First floor have one
also?