Cooling the Third Floor

Question: I live in a dormer type home (the ceiling is the roof pitch of the house) in Cuyahoga Falls. I have air conditioning, but it is still very hot up there all summer. Is there anything I can do with my current air conditioner to make the upstairs cooler?

Answer: A dormer is one of the hardest types of homes to condition, particularly in the summer. Unfortunately there is not a whole lot you can do with your current air conditioner in that type of home. We run into so many of these homes (particularly in Cuyahoga Falls) and they all have to deal with this. The first floor is always great but that upstairs dormer is so hot. At the very least, try to damper off some of the supply registers downstairs and make sure every supply register upstairs is wide open. My guess is you have already done this! Be sure not to close off too much downstairs as you will risk freezing up your system. The most ideal option would be to look into a ductless HVAC system. This relatively new technology is extremely quiet, comfortable, and energy efficient. A less expensive option would be to install a window air conditioner unit. The majority of dormer home owners will do something more in addition to their whole home air conditioning system or they simply do not go upstairs in the summer!