Why is My First Floor So Cold and Second Floor So Hot?

In some residential homes, cold parts of the house (or warm parts) may be related to issues with the home heating system. But unbalanced heating can happen even when the heating system is operating properly. It means that there are various other factors at play – factors that contribute to temperature fluctuations, which in turn make things uncomfortable.

Short term, homeowners tend to pump up the heating in winter and air conditioning in summer. While this might compensate for cold parts of the house (or warm parts), it’s a waste of energy and a recipe for higher utility bills around the year. At Great Northern Insulation, resolving these kinds of issues is about finding the source and extent of the problem.

The fact is, there is much more to uneven heating and cooling than the HVAC system. There may be some insulation issues. There may be air circulation issues. Or there may be air leakage issues. Whatever the case, if indoor air is not properly circulating and venting, there will be temperature fluctuations on the first floor, the second floor, even the third floor.

When the experts at Great Northern Insulationevaluate temperature imbalances in a home, they focus on how well the home has been sealed, insulated, and ventilated. For GNI, the home is a total “system” whereby air sealing, insulation and ventilation work together to provide energy efficiency. This is also where effective solutions can materialize.

With a cold first floor, or a warm second floor, balance has to be restored in order to rectify the situation. In the majority of homes, it means making improvements to how the home is air sealed, how it’s insulated, and how it’s ventilated. And when effectively resolved, the HVAC system will operate better and the home’s energy efficiency will be improved.

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Best of 2021

HomeStars has ranked Great Northern Insulation as a company that goes above and beyond in every aspect of business for the year of 2021.

Best of 2022

HomeStars has ranked Great Northern Insulation as a company that goes above and beyond in every aspect of business for the year of 2022.

GNI is the Authorized & Trusted Insulation and Air Sealing Installer for Lowe’s

Over 40 Years in Business

At GNI, we service your project with the most experienced staff in the industry. Ongoing professional development is an obsession at GNI and we will not compromise at any level to bring to our customers the very best Installers, Sales Representatives, Customer Care Personnel, Field Superintendents, Estimating and Technical Support to your project.

100% Canadian

Great Northern Insulation is recognized as Canada's largest full-service insulation contractor. GNI is 100% Canadian owned, proudly serving Ontario customers since 1980.

Do it right the first time
- with foam masters^TM

January, 2021 regulatory phaseout of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) with the introduction of WALLTITE CM01. Using hydrofluorolefins (HFOs) with lower global warming potential (GWP) compared to HFCs, WALLTITE CM01 is the next generation of spray foam insulation.

Huntsman HEATLOK® SOYA HFO™

Heatlok® Soya HFOTM leverages Honeywell’s latest Solstice® Liquid Blowing Agent technology. This new hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) blowing agent is the most environmentally conscious blowing agent produced to date, with a zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and a global warming potential (GWP) of 1, which is more than two orders of magnitude (99.9%) lower than HFCs used in this industry.

3M^TM products.
Quality + Performance = Savings

3M^TM energy-saving products are designed to keep warm air in, and cold air out, while keeping energy bills down. Products optimize energy efficiency in buildings and homes; improve indoor environment for occupants; and effect the reduction of seasonal energy costs. 3M products are authorized for LEED credits (Leadership in Energy/Environmental Design).

Holmes and Holmes

Mike Holmes and his son Mike Jr. (MJ) convert MJ’s bachelor bungalow into a two-storey home for MJ and his girlfriend Lisa. Choosing the newest materials and build techniques, the father and son team follow Mike’s famous motto – “Make it right.” The show can be watched on HGTV and DIY Network.

Enbridge Incentives

The Home Efficiency Rebate Plus program offers up to $10,000 in home reno rebates – and Great Northern Insulation can pave the way.

Great Northern Insulation proudly abides by a renovation-specific Code of Conduct set by RenoMark™.

We are Verified & Bonded by eRenovate. When you choose to proceed with our services through their platform, you receive the gaurantees set forth through their program.

The GNI crew have been featured installing insulation on Love It or List It - have you seen our logo in an episode?

Climatizer

CLIMATIZER PLUS cellulose insulation is manufactured from a minimum of 85% locally-sourced post-consumer recycled newsprint. Non-toxic additives are applied to the uniquely fiberized paper generating a building material with superior thermal and acoustic properties, as well as exceptional resistance to fire, moisture, mould and pests.

Why is My First Floor So Cold and Second Floor So Hot?

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Proudly Serving all of Southern Ontario