hot attic and second floor

Posted by ap on March 13, 2006, 5:59 pm

Hello,
The past weekend, the temps in Georgia hit the upper 70s and
the second floor of our 2-floor home was about 10 degrees
warmer than the first floor.

Also, the attic (which houses the central a/c and heater) was
extremely hot, lower 90s or so.

My question is: is this temp increase in the 2nd floor and attic
normal? This is 2-story house with central A/C and heat - wooden
w/ front brick.

Also, are reasonable means to cool down the attic?

There is an attic fan that was installed by the previous owner, but it
kicks in
around 95 F or so. Even then, not sure if it can cool down such a hot
attic.

THANKS

Posted by Joseph Meehan on March 13, 2006, 6:09 pm

ap wrote:

> Hello,
> The past weekend, the temps in Georgia hit the upper 70s and
> the second floor of our 2-floor home was about 10 degrees
> warmer than the first floor.
> Also, the attic (which houses the central a/c and heater) was
> extremely hot, lower 90s or so.
> My question is: is this temp increase in the 2nd floor and attic
> normal? This is 2-story house with central A/C and heat - wooden
> w/ front brick.
> Also, are reasonable means to cool down the attic?
> There is an attic fan that was installed by the previous owner, but it
> kicks in
> around 95 F or so. Even then, not sure if it can cool down such a hot
> attic.
> THANKS

I would guess that a 20º difference on a sunny day is normal. It is
hard to say for certain about your situation.

--
Joseph Meehan

Dia duit

Posted by tbasc@bellsouth.net on March 13, 2006, 6:17 pm

The temperature differences are not unusual, as Mr. Meehan says.
However, I don't think they are inevitable.
Look at the Building Science Corporation web site for a discussion.
TB

Posted by SQLit on March 13, 2006, 7:30 pm

There are several methods of "tempering" an attic. But I doubt that is what
your concerned about.
I live in Phoenix and attic temps can push 160F + in the summer time.
(remember it is a dry heat)
Even with a attic fan, temps in the summer are over 140F. My home has gable
vents and turbines, still it, gets hot up there.

I suggest that you first check the amount of insulation you have installed.
I added R-30 last July and August's a/c bill was 50% less. More insulation
will help with the heat migrating from the attic.

The second floor will always be warmer.

Next check the air handler and all of the joints. It is not uncommon for the
joints to come loose over the ages. Repair as needed.

Sorry no magic bullet for thermal dynamics.

Posted by m Ransley on March 13, 2006, 8:00 pm

Are you new to this house, does the second floor have a return, can some
first floor supplys be cut down, you might be able to balance things
out, but without a return on the second floor it will always be hot.

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