Cape Cod homes feature unique designs for the upstairs level. With slanted ceilings, this architectural style creates a quaint, charming home filled with character. Unfortunately, balancing temperatures can be tricky, and finding ways to maximize heating and cooling requires a little planning and thought. Below are a few ways to get the right furnace and AC installation for a Cape Cod-style house and never feel uncomfortable at home.

How to Heat & Cool a Cape Cod-Style House

1. Fan Settings

Usually the issue with Cape Cod-style homes lies in the fact that warm air gets caught in the corners of low ceilings. The upstairs area is very close to the roof and has little or no attic barrier, meaning the sun’s heat easily enters the interior. An easy way to stop warm air from getting trapped is to keep the fan set to “on” instead of “auto.” Even if the air conditioner isn’t blowing, the fan will circulate air.

2. Window Unit

If running the fan constantly becomes too costly, install a window unit upstairs. A smaller AC installation in each room will keep cool air moving on the hottest days and won’t dramatically increase utility bills. Your central air conditioner won’t have to work as hard since the warm air won’t get trapped in corners.

3. Doors

Warm air rises while cool air stays low. Create a barrier between the upstairs and downstairs by adding a door between floors. The best location is at the bottom of the staircase, but installing a doorway at the top of the stairs is still effective. If a new door doesn’t work, close the bedroom doors to keep temperatures balanced.

4. Insulation

Some of these homes are insulated in a vertical wall instead of an attic or crawlspace, while others have minimal space between the attic and second floor. Ensure what little space you have is adequately insulated. These areas typically need extra insulation to solve the problem and better regulate roof temperatures.

5. Heating System

In some Cape Cod-style homes, especially those built around the 1950s, the problem with heat in winter lies in how the piping is laid out. Certain older homes were not piped for heat at all on the second floor and need to have ducts or baseboards installed. In other cases, the heating system is set on the exterior wall or in uninsulated areas. Have your HVAC contractor inspect what exists and make necessary upgrades.

If you own a Cape Cod-style home in Southern Illinois, contact Inman Heating & Cooling. They offer top-notch furnace and AC installation services, ensuring your home has the right heating and cooling system all year long. Located in Columbia, their professionally trained technicians can handle any job big or small, offering customized, honest assessments when repairing or replacing your system. For more on their air conditioner and furnace options, call (618) 281-5355 or stop by their website for more on AC installation.