Insulation, HVAC

• Install Radiant Barrier.  Attic Foil Insulation 

• Install Radiant Barrier FOIL, part 3.  Attic Foil Insulation

• Blown In Cellular.  This Old House

1. Insulating Old Homes in Cold Climate.  ASIRI

2. Insulating Old Homes in HOT Climate.  ASIRI

3. Insulting Existing Concrete Slab.  ASIRI

1. Why your heat bill is so high.  Home Renovision

AI answer: Yes, it is possible to direct more cold air from a central air conditioning system to the upstairs of a two-story house. This can be achieved by adjusting the airflow, using fans, and improving insulation and ventilation in the attic. 

Here's a breakdown of how to effectively cool the upstairs:

1. Adjust Airflow:

• Close vents on lower floors: By partially or fully closing vents on the lower floors, you can restrict airflow to those areas and force more cold air to flow to the upper floors. 

• Open return vents upstairs: If your system has return vents on both floors, ensure the upper-floor vents are open. 

• Consider dampers: If your vents have dampers, adjust them to direct more airflow to the upper levels. 

• Check for leaks: Ensure ductwork is properly sealed to prevent cool air from escaping. 

2. Use Fans:

• Ceiling fans: Set ceiling fans to rotate counter-clockwise in the summer to push cool air down. 

• Portable fans: Use portable fans to circulate the cool air from the vents and distribute it throughout the upstairs. 

3. Improve Insulation and Ventilation:

• Attic insulation: Ensure adequate insulation in the attic to prevent heat from transferring to the upper floors. 

• Attic ventilation: Improve ventilation in the attic to exhaust hot air and reduce the temperature on the upper floors. 

• Window coverings: Use curtains and blinds to block direct sunlight during the day, which can significantly heat up the upper floors. 

4. Other Tips:

• Adjust thermostat settings: In a two-story house, it's often recommended to set the upstairs thermostat slightly lower than the downstairs thermostat to compensate for heat rising. 

• Consider mini-split AC: If you're having persistent issues with cooling the upstairs, you might consider installing a mini-split AC unit specifically for the upper floor.