7 Tricks to Keep Your Upstairs Cool, According to Experts

Since heat naturally rises, most homes with a second story face unbearable temperatures in the summer months. This can make your surroundings almost impossible to lounge in or sleep in (after all, who likes sleeping in buckets of sweat?)

Luckily, there are things you can do to beat the heat indoors this summer that are affordable and easy to implement in your home.

We spoke to two HVAC experts for their best tips on keeping the upstairs cool all summer long.

Run Appliances At Night

While it can be tempting to pop a frozen pizza in the oven for an effortless lunch or knock out laundry early in the day, both experts suggest saving appliance usage for the hours after sunset, if possible.

“Any heat-generating appliances you use, such as clothes dryers, ovens, and dishwashers, will generate heat within the home,” Rob Terry of Terry’s A/C & Heating says. “If you know it is going to be a hot day, try to time using those appliances after the heat of the day.”

Set Up Portable Air Conditioners

Whether you have central AC that doesn’t fully cool an upstairs room or you need a system for a room that doesn’t have AC, a portable air conditioner can be the solution to staying cool this summer on your top floor.

“Portable air conditioners can be used in specific rooms that tend to get the hottest, providing targeted cooling without overworking the central AC system,” Aaron Traub of Benny’s A/C & Heatingsays.

Portable AC units are a great investment if you’re struggling to reach comfortable temperatures upstairs in the summer. They’re a budget-friendly option for the extra air your space needs, but another system Terry says works just as well is a ductless mini split.

“Investing in a mini-split system can make a very big difference in your comfort,” Traub says. “The great part is that it requires no ductwork, is quick to install, and is extremely quiet and efficient.”

Use Blackout Curtains

We know that the summer is full of bright, sunny days that make you want to throw open the curtains and let all the natural light in, but unfortunately, this could be a reason as to why your home feels as hot as it does.

“When an upstairs room is especially facing west or south, solar gain can be particularly troublesome,” Terry says. “Using blinds, shades, or blackout curtains on your windows can help keep the room cooler by preventing the sun from warming the room.”

Supercool Your Home At Night

If you’re one who loves sleeping in a cooler house at night, then you will love this expert hack for keeping your upstairs cool this summer. According to Terry, setting your thermostat to a few degrees cooler at night can be helpful for a few morning hours.

“This can help the entire home remain a bit cooler for longer, including your second floor,” he says,

Seal Gaps or Air Leaks

One major tip Traub stresses when it comes to keeping your upstairs cool in the summer months is inspecting your house for gaps or leaks around your windows and doors to seal.

Properly sealing windows and doors can prevent cool air from escaping, keeping the upstairs cooler and more comfortable, he says, and the good news? Sealing leaks is fairly easy to do. All you need is caulk and a caulking gun and you’re good to go.

Close Off Unused Rooms

Does your upstairs consist of rooms that aren’t used on a daily basis? If so, Traub recommends keeping doors to those rooms closed (especially when your AC is on) so the cool air isn’t wasted.

“Closing doors to unused rooms prevents cool air from being wasted in areas that don’t need it, directing more cool air to where it’s needed most,” he says.

Turn On Ceiling Fans

Sometimes all you need to stay cool and comfortable upstairs in the summer is help from your trusty ceiling fan.

“Keep in mind this tip only works if you are in the room,” Terry says. “Using the wind chill effect, fans can make a warm room feel a few degrees cooler due to air movement. That small temperature differential can make a big difference in your comfort.”