Upstairs very hot - Attic problems?

[dukeboiler]

I live outside of Nashville TN in a 3 story house (1 basement level - 2 above ground). Our upstairs floor is always 10 degrees hotter in the summer than downstairs when it is hot. If it's in the 80s it seems upstairs stays cool - but anything 90+ and upstaris is 80-85 degrees. Each floor has it's own furnace/ac unit - and they are serviced 2x year. Nothing wrong with the size of the units or the performance according to technician that services them.

So - what can i do? Our attic does not have any ridge vents (don't know if that is right term) but has a bunch of vents for hot air but it is extremely hot up there (it's above the 3rd floor - over all of it and part of first floor).

So two questions:

1. Should I get a new unit upstars that will overpower the heat? I read a bunch of posts that says oversizing can cause as many problems as undersizing.

2. What can I do in the attic if that's the problem. The 3rd floor unit is actually in the attic so all of the ductwork is up there pushing air down. Will that actually make a difference?

I know the 2nd story will be hotter since heat rises - but it's getting tough to gut out 80+ degrees.

Oh - the front of our house faces directly west and just bakes in the afternoon sun - doesnt help.

Any advice is appreciated - thanks.

[BaldLoonie]

Lot of times issue is attic heat penetrating the ducts heating up the cold air leaving the unit and heating up the return air entering the unit. Could zap over 1/2 of your cooling capability.

Blow in insulation over all of the ducts or lay batts over them.

[pstu]

...Nothing wrong with the size of the units or the performance according to technician that services them...


Can this be a statement you can rely on? It does not maintain setpoint.

[ECtofix]

Duke, I'm with on this heat here in TN lately. July/Aug weather moved in quickly.

If your system's been serviced and checks good, the alternative is adding insulation AND getting some additional ventilation of that attic.

Also, get yourself a bit of flooring and a wooden bench up there...a dependable ladder to it, and you got your own in-home sauna. :cool: