Quick Answer
If your upstairs stays hot in summer or cold in winter, it’s not your imagination—it’s an airflow issue. Homes in Brilliant, especially near Route 7, Market Street, and La Belle View, often need better return vents, sealed ductwork, or zoning. Honest Fix diagnoses the real cause and restores balance across every floor.
Why Brilliant Homes Struggle with Temperature Imbalance
Brilliant’s hillside streets and Ohio River location create unique comfort challenges. Many two-story homes built before 1980 along Market Street or on the slopes above Route 7 rely on outdated duct systems. In summer, attic temperatures soar above 125°F, while winter winds off the river chill lower levels. Without balanced airflow, bedrooms upstairs always feel a step behind the thermostat.
Common Causes Found in Local Two-Story Houses
- Weak return airflow – Older homes near La Belle View often have one main return downstairs, trapping heat upstairs.
- Leaky ducts – Attic or crawlspace duct joints allow conditioned air to escape before reaching second-floor rooms.
- Attic insulation gaps – In Brilliant’s river valley humidity, thin insulation amplifies summer heat and winter cold.
- Rooms above garages – Bonus rooms along the hillsides often stay 8–10 degrees off balance year-round.
How Honest Fix Restores Comfort Across Floors
Our technicians start with an airflow and pressure test to identify hidden restrictions. Adding upstairs returns, sealing ducts, and upgrading insulation are common fixes. For homes near the old La Belle School site or along Cleveland Avenue, zoning or variable-speed systems help maintain consistent temperatures with less energy waste.
FAQs
Why is my upstairs always warmer?
Warm air rises, and without strong return airflow, it stays trapped. Adding returns and sealing ducts evens out temperatures quickly.
Can attic fans really help?
Yes. Ridge or powered attic fans lower attic temperatures by 20–25°F, preventing heat from radiating into second-floor rooms.
Do you work near Route 7?
Absolutely—Honest Fix serves all of Brilliant, from La Belle View to Market Street and the Route 7 corridor.
Exact HVAC replacement quotes available at (740) 825-9408 or HonestFix.com/schedule-service.
Author: Alex Largent
Alex Largent
Alex Largent is the Owner and Senior HVAC Efficiency Analyst at Honest Fix Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. With more than 20 years of field experience, NATE and EPA certifications, and a hands-on leadership style, Alex teaches his team to fix systems right the first time — with transparency, precision, and no upsells. He writes about HVAC diagnostics, home energy efficiency, and practical maintenance advice for homeowners across the Upper Ohio Valley. Read Alex Largent’s full bio to learn more about his expertise in the HVAC and Plumbing industry. Updated October 2025.
