From an Overheated Upstairs to Whole-Home Comfort
How we fixed a Dallas home that wouldn't cool below 77°F, even with three air conditioners running continuously.
This 4,600-square-foot, two-story home in the Dallas area was equipped with three air-conditioning systems. Despite having substantial cooling capacity, the upstairs system struggled whenever outdoor temperatures climbed above 98°F. Even after running continuously, the upstairs temperature would not drop below 77°F.
Project Details
- LocationDallas Area, TX
- Home Size4,600 sq ft, two-story
- HVAC SystemThree air-conditioning systems
- Solution Applied5.5 inches open-cell roof deck spray foam
01 / Problem
The Problem
Testing revealed that the air-conditioning system itself was producing cold air. Air coming from the supply vents measured approximately 51°F. However, the upstairs ceiling surface measured as high as 93°F.
The problem was not a lack of cold air. The problem was the intense heat entering the home from the attic and radiating through the ceiling.
The upstairs air conditioner was fighting this heat gain continuously and could not keep up during the hottest part of the day.
02 / Solution
The Solution
Texas Foam Pro converted the traditional vented attic into a sealed, insulated attic using 5.5 inches of open-cell spray foam applied to the roof deck.
This approach brought the attic and its mechanical systems inside a much more temperature-controlled environment.
We also installed FoamGuard™ for continuous 24/7 monitoring of attic conditions.
The complete installation included:
- Sealing and insulating the roofline with 5.5 inches of open-cell spray foam
- Venting all identified sources of indoor humidity directly outdoors
- Providing the required outdoor combustion air for the furnaces
- Encapsulating exposed plumbing and air-conditioning lines with closed-cell spray foam
03 / Outcome
The Outcome
After the attic was sealed and insulated, it measured 81°F while outdoor temperatures reached 108°F. The upstairs became more comfortable, HVAC performance improved and electricity usage dropped by approximately 25%.
The air conditioner did not need to work harder. The home needed to stop working against it.
Measured outcome
| Measurement | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Upstairs temperature | Would not cool below 77°F | Reaches and maintains the desired setting |
| Supply-air temperature | Approximately 51°F | Cooling system no longer overwhelmed |
| Ceiling surface temperature | Approximately 93°F | Heat transfer dramatically reduced |
| Attic temperature | Extremely hot traditional attic | 81°F when it was 108°F outside |
| Electricity usage | Baseline usage | Approximately 25% lower |
- Upstairs temperature
- Before
- Would not cool below 77°F
- After
- Reaches and maintains the desired setting
- Supply-air temperature
- Before
- Approximately 51°F
- After
- Cooling system no longer overwhelmed
- Ceiling surface temperature
- Before
- Approximately 93°F
- After
- Heat transfer dramatically reduced
- Attic temperature
- Before
- Extremely hot traditional attic
- After
- 81°F when it was 108°F outside
- Electricity usage
- Before
- Baseline usage
- After
- Approximately 25% lower
Related Reading
Stop Fighting Your Attic
Find out how a conditioned attic can transform your home's comfort and lower your energy bills. Get an instant quote tailored to your roof.