Does your floor affect your AC’s cooling? Here’s what you should know

The sun beating down upon us often leads us to turn to our trusty air conditioner. But depending on where you live, there are days when you’re left wondering if the AC is making any difference whatsoever, at all! While we’re all quick to shift the blame to the appliance, several unknown factors could be contributing to your AC’s cooling efficiency.

We’ve covered some uncommon reasons in a different article, but there are some obvious factors as well that could be contributing to this overall issue. Here’s what you should know:

Does the height of your building affect your AC's cooling capacity?

As it turns out, yes. If you live in a flat with more than two stories, you may be a victim of uneven heating. Have you ever heard someone tell you that their top-floor home emits a lot of heat during the day? That is, in fact, not a myth. More often in summer than winter, a top-storey home usually collects excess heat.

This is also often accentuated if there is a powerful air conditioning system in use on the floors below. While you may feel like reducing the temperature may bring you some relief, it usually makes matters worse.

How to tackle uneven heating in your house

Whether you live on the top floor, middle or basement, here’s what you should know about your AC’s cooling efficiency:

For the top floor

Top floors face unique heating challenges due to direct sun exposure and rising heat from below. To maximise cooling, install ceiling fans to better circulate cool air from your AC and use reflective window films or blackout curtains to reduce solar gain.

Consider upgrading your roof insulation or applying a reflective coating to minimise heat absorption. Rather than constantly lowering the temperature setting (which strains your system), run your AC fan continuously to maintain steady cooling and prevent hot spots from forming. Using a slightly higher temperature setting (24-25°C) can actually prevent system overload while still maintaining comfort.

For the middle floor

Middle floors benefit from having insulation above and below, but still face circulation challenges. Keep interior doors open when possible to allow air to flow freely throughout your space, and consider partially closing vents in naturally cooler rooms to redirect air where it’s needed most.

ALSO READ: Advantages and benefits of buying an inverter air conditioner

Smart thermostats work particularly well for middle floors as they can learn and adapt to your specific heating patterns. If you notice significant temperature variations across your floor, strategically positioned portable fans can help push cool air into problem areas without adjusting your entire system.

For basement

Basements naturally maintain cooler temperatures but often struggle with humidity issues that make them feel uncomfortable. Pair your AC with a dehumidifier to tackle excess moisture, which makes your space feel warmer than it actually is. Since basements accumulate more dust and debris, clean your air vents regularly to ensure proper airflow.

Keep basement windows covered during summer months to prevent heat gain, and consider using your AC’s “dry” mode rather than “cool” mode to manage humidity more effectively. You can typically set your temperature slightly higher (26-27°C) in basement areas, as they naturally stay cooler than upper floors.

Understanding your floor’s unique climate challenges can dramatically improve your cooling efficiency and comfort while saving money.