Skip to main content

«  View All Posts

Too Hot Upstairs in Summer, Too Cold in Winter? HVAC Fixes That Work for Toronto, OH

November 4th, 2025

1 min read

By Alex Largent

House too hot or too cold

Quick Answer

If your Toronto home’s upstairs turns into an oven in July or feels like an icebox in January, the cause is poor airflow. Homes near Franklin Heights, Clark Street, and River Avenue often need improved return vents, sealed ducts, or zoning adjustments. Honest Fix identifies the source and restores consistent comfort on every floor.

Why Toronto Homes Face Temperature Swings

Toronto’s older riverfront houses and postwar two-stories were built before modern duct sizing and insulation standards. Homes along Ridge Avenue or in Franklin Heights trap warm air upstairs during muggy Ohio Valley summers, then lose heat fast in winter. Add in the steep hillside terrain and fluctuating river humidity, and airflow balance becomes a year-round struggle.

Most Common Causes in Local Two-Story Houses

  • Limited returns – Many homes near Clark Street or Daniels Heights have just one main return downstairs, trapping hot air.
  • Leaky or uninsulated ducts – Ducts routed through unconditioned attics or crawlspaces lose 20–30% of airflow.
  • Attic heat and poor insulation – Without proper insulation, attics can exceed 125°F, radiating heat downward.
  • Rooms above garages – Bedrooms over garages on River Avenue often stay 8–10 degrees cooler in winter.

How Honest Fix Brings Balance Back

Our technicians use pressure testing to locate airflow losses before recommending any equipment upgrades. In many Toronto homes, simple changes—like adding upstairs returns, sealing duct leaks, or improving attic ventilation—make the biggest difference. For larger homes in Franklin Heights or along County Road 47, zoning or a variable-speed system provides precise temperature control.

FAQs

Why does my upstairs heat up so fast?

Warm air rises, and without strong returns, it has nowhere to go. Added vents and sealed ducts circulate air more evenly.

Can attic fans help homes in Toronto?

Yes. Ridge or powered attic fans can drop attic temperatures by 20–25°F, reducing heat transfer into upper rooms.

Do you work in my area?

Absolutely—Honest Fix serves all of Toronto, including Franklin Heights, River Avenue, and Daniels Heights.

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.