How can I get more pressure out of the upstairs A/C vents?
Question:I have tried shutting some of the basement and lower level vents and ducts, but the temperature difference is too much.
Answers:
Close just a few vents in the lowest level. You should not need them wide open as cool air drops. The cool air will push thru the upstairs better and fall to the lower levels.
Also, get room fans, oscillators, box, or ceiling fans to keep the air circulating in each room.
In the winter, reverse it.
Try an air duct booster. It installs to a 4 or 5 inch circular duct work and pushes the air to the furthermost reaches of your home. You need to get the heat out of the upstairs so the cool will have a place to go.
Call a contractor to check out your system and possibly do some air balancing to the system.
Do not shut the vents, try partially closing all of the vents on the lower levels, if the lower levels are still colder close them a little more, if this does not work you may have a restriction somewhere in the upper level or possibly duct leakage. Be cautious when closing vents because if the coil does not have enough airflow it could cause other problems like icing up and freezing the coil.
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