How to Balance Upstairs and Downstairs Temperatures to Always Stay Comfy
- First, Check These Items. There are a few basics you can check yourself if only certain rooms aren't heating or cooling. ...
- Address Airflow Delivery. ...
- Consider a Zoned System. ...
- Be Sure to Check Credentials. ...
How do you set the thermostat upstairs and downstairs?
During the summer, set your upstairs thermostat to your desired temperature, and the downstairs unit two degrees warmer. During winter, set the downstairs temperature to the ideal level, and upstairs two degrees colder. During the winter, this isn't as much of a problem, because you want a warmer home.
How can I balance my upstairs and downstairs airflow?
Balancing your upstairs and downstairs airflow and temperatures can be either DIY or certified-tech territory. Whichever it is, do yourself and your pocketbook a favor: Take care of it ... and pack away that cardigan. There are a few basics you can check yourself if only certain rooms aren't heating or cooling. Replace a dirty filter.
How do I heat up my upstairs and downstairs without running heaters?
Set your downstairs thermostat to be your desired temperature, and set your upstairs unit two degrees cooler. This way your downstairs floor will get a little bit of an extra heat boost that keeps them warm and comfortable. Likewise, the rising air will continue to provide warmth to the upstairs rooms without having to run your heater that often.
How do I adjust the thermostat to keep my house cool?
Turn on the fan setting of your home's thermostat. This will not run the furnace or air conditioning, but it will force the air inside your home to move constantly. This moving air will help keep the temperature in your home balanced.
How do you equalize upstairs and downstairs temperature?
During the winter, you can reverse this process. Start by setting your thermostat downstairs to your desired temperature. Then set the upstairs thermostat to a two-degree cooler setting. The extra heat downstairs will combat the cold that settles on the lower levels.
How do you regulate heat in a two story house with one thermostat?
Set the first floor's thermostat to your desired temperature, and then decrease the temperature setting on your thermostats by two degrees as you go up. Warm air on the first floor will rise and make the upper floors more comfortable.
Should I set upstairs thermostat same as downstairs?
The downstairs thermostat should be set to your ideal temperature, and the upstairs thermostat should be about 2 degrees cooler. The heat should be balanced pretty well with this method, and your downstairs will get a little bit extra warmth to keep you comfortable.
How do dual thermostats work in a two story house?
0:501:56Setting up multiple thermostats in a 2-story home - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou're going to want to set your upstairs thermostat a couple degrees warmer. Than your downstairsMoreYou're going to want to set your upstairs thermostat a couple degrees warmer. Than your downstairs thermostat. For example if the target temperature you want to keep your house out with 75 degrees.
How do you fix temperature difference between rooms?
Seal Windows and Doors. The weatherstripping on windows and doors deteriorates over time, letting cold or hot air in. ... Add Window Drapes, Shutters Or Blinds. Sunny rooms tend to feel warmer than rooms that are dark. ... Add A Programmable Thermostat Strategically. ... Install An HVAC Zoning System. ... Add a Ceiling Fan.
How do I even out the temperature in my house?
Here's how to maintain an even temperature throughout your home:Clean the Air Ducts. If you have leaks in your air ducts, cool air won't make it to every air vent, resulting in uneven cooling. ... Turn On the AC Fan. ... Adjust the Air Vents. ... Check the Insulation. ... Install a Zoned System.
Should upstairs thermostat be set higher than downstairs in winter?
During the summer, set your upstairs thermostat to your desired temperature, and the downstairs unit two degrees warmer. During winter, set the downstairs temperature to the ideal level, and upstairs two degrees colder. During the winter, this isn't as much of a problem, because you want a warmer home.
Should I keep my thermostat at the same temperature?
The startup process for a furnace consumes more energy than simply running the entire time at one set temperature, costing you additional money. To maximize efficiency, it's best to keep your furnace (or AC) at the same consistent temperature for long periods of time.
Why is my upstairs hot and downstairs cold?
Heat rises. Blame physics: hot air rises while cold air sinks. That means your upstairs typically gets hotter than your lower levels, even if your air conditioner's working in overdrive.
Why does my house have 2 thermostats?
Having two thermostats wired to the same HVAC unit allows you to evenly condition your home. With the use of zones, control, and dampers, you can regulate your home from top to bottom. However, installing two can be complicated. Multiple thermostats allow for more accuracy and efficiency.
How do you fix a hot upstairs cold downstairs?
If you are unable to maintain an even temperature in your house, consider the following interventions:Change Your Air Filter. ... Repair and Insulate Your Ductwork. ... Shell Out for a New Air Conditioner or Furnace. ... Look Into Zone Control HVAC. ... Investigate Your Attic's Thermal Integrity. ... Reduce Sources of Heat Upstairs. ... Use Fans.
How do two thermostats work together?
When multiple thermostats control one system, the house is divided into zones using dampers in the ductwork throughout the house. When one zone needs heating or cooling, the damper for the ductwork in that zone opens, guiding the warm or cool air to that zone.
How to set thermostat in 2 story house?
Also, how should I set my thermostat in a two story house? If your preferred temperature in the summer is 72 degrees, then set the downstairs thermostat to 70 and the upstairs to 74 . Use the same two-degree difference in the winter, making sure the higher temperature is on the second story. If you have a three story home, a one-degree difference should work.
Why do you need a thermostat in your home?
A thermostat is installed in each of the two zones in your home (upstairs and downstairs) to help you control your air ducts' electronic dampers. This ensures that you can set your upstairs thermostat to cool the hot temperature and the one downstairs to heat up the zone. How can I cool my upstairs of a 2 story house?
How to get humidity out of house?
Run a dehumidifier upstairs to take the humidity out of the air.
Why is upstairs not the same temperature as downstairs?
There may be existing problems that are causing the imbalance that should be addressed before installing a zoned system. This may have originally lead to the reason your upstairs isn’t the same temperature as downstairs.
How to direct air to the upstairs?
It’s best to hire a professional to set up your heating and cooling zones, but you can try to duplicate the effect of this yourself by close a few (not all) of the vents on the first floor in the summertime. This forces your A/C system to direct more air upstairs. In winter, try the oposite. Close more vents upstairs so that more of the heated air is pushed through the downstairs vents.
How do ducts work on a second floor?
Ducts take the cool air from your HVAC system and distribute it throughout your home. If the ducts are old, leaky or were installed poorly, then an air conditioner will struggle to push the cool air to all the areas of your home. There may not even be the right amount of ductwork to properly cool your second floor.
How to balance the temperature of a home?
The temperature can be balanced between the stories of your home by upgrading your furnace, installing a zoned system and keeping the air circulating throughout the house. Address existing problems first by checking your attic insulation and how well your ducts are sealed.
Why does the thermostat snap back on in winter?
Forced air often fails to create uniform conditions. As the lower level cools, the thermostat senses a lower temperature downstairs, which trigger s the forced-air system to snap back on. The cycle repeats over and over and is the fundamental problem of uneven heating.
How to keep air moving in your home?
Keep the air moving by turning on the fan setting of your home’s thermostat. Turn the fan from “auto” to “ on”. The fan will circulate the air continually throughout the home and can help even out temperatures between floors. This will not run the furnace or air conditioning, but it will force the air inside your home to move constantly and it will raise your electic bill. This moving air will help keep the temperature in your home balanced.
Is the second floor of my house hotter than the rest?
Is your second floor hotter than the rest of your house? If you can only dream of even warmth throughout your home, it may be time to turn to a highly efficient system that can keep your family toasty warm all winter long, no matter where in the house they happen to be.
How to keep your upstairs room cool?
Naturally, the cool air will fall, keeping your downstairs rooms cool as well. Here’s what you do: set your upstairs thermostat to your desired temperature goals, and then set your downstairs unit to be two degrees warmer. For most homes, this naturally encourages a temperature balance that’s comfortable and right at your desired temperature goals. Likewise, with how long it takes for the hot and cold air to change places, it will likely hold this equilibrium for longer, which means less time running your system and less money out of your pocket on energy bills.
How to keep upstairs room warm in winter?
In this situation, you simply reverse the process. Set your downstairs thermostat to be your desired temperature, and set your upstairs unit two degrees cooler. This way your downstairs floor will get a little bit of an extra heat boost that keeps them warm and comfortable. Likewise, the rising air will continue to provide warmth to the upstairs rooms without having to run your heater that often. This works to balance out the heat throughout your home and prevent both your upstairs and downstairs thermostats from having to switch on as often.
How to adjust temperature in upper and lower stories?
Upper stories are warmer than lower ones, so you want to adjust the temperature depending on the season to properly set up upstairs and downstairs thermostats. During the summer, set your upstairs thermostat to your desired temperature, and the downstairs unit two degrees warmer. During winter, set the downstairs temperature to the ideal level, and upstairs two degrees colder.
How cold should the thermostat be in the winter?
But it's always helpful during those winter months to set your thermostat to around 72 to 75 degrees.
Should thermostats be the same?
Many homeowners mistakenly believe that they should keep both of their thermostats set exactly the same at all times. This is a mistake: the air upstairs will almost always be warmer, and as a result, you wind up with a downstairs area that’s comfortable and an upstairs that’s frustratingly warm. Instead, use this independence to your advantage.
Does rising air help with heat?
Likewise, the rising air will continue to provide warmth to the upstairs rooms without having to run your heater that often. This works to balance out the heat throughout your home and prevent both your upstairs and downstairs thermostats from having to switch on as often.
Do you need a thermostat for a multi story house?
Multi-story homes face a pretty common problem when it comes to heating comfort. You will need separate thermostats for upstairs and downstairs, and it is crucial these are set up correctly for optimal comfort. Upper stories are warmer than lower ones, so you want to adjust the temperature depending on the season to properly set up upstairs ...
How to get a cold downstairs and hot upstairs?
Start by setting your thermostat downstairs to your desired temperature. Then set the upstairs thermostat to a two-degree cooler setting. The extra heat downstairs will combat the cold ...
How many degrees apart should a thermostat be?
The general rule of thumb for a two-story home is that you should set each thermostat two degrees Fahrenheit apart from the other. During the summer, when your AC is running, set the upper floor at the temperature you actually want in your home. Then set each floor underneath that to two degrees warmer. This gives the upstairs rooms ...
How far apart should thermostats be in a multistory house?
When setting a thermostat in a multi-story home, you need to think about whether you are going to be running your air conditioner or your heater. Then you need to take into account your desired temperature setting for your home. The general rule of thumb for a two-story home is that you should set each thermostat two degrees Fahrenheit apart ...
How does an air conditioner work in the summer?
Hot air is always trying to go to the upper story while cold air is trying to sink to the lower stories. If you set all thermostats to the same temperature , your upper story air conditioner will work overtime in the summer while all your cold air will fall to the lower levels. Likewise, your lower-story heater will have to work too hard in the winter while the hot air instantly heads upstairs.
Why is my thermostat running constantly?
The fact that height affects temperatures so much can lead to all sorts of problems. If your thermostats are set incorrectly, you’re upstairs may often be blazing hot while your downstairs is freezing cold. Both your heater and your air conditioner may end up running almost constantly.
What temperature should a thermostat be?
According to The U.S. Department of Energy, the most efficient settings are 78 degrees in the summer and 68 degrees in the winter. This keeps your indoor temperatures at safe and comfortable levels while using as little energy as possible. ...
How hot is a house in the summer?
For a two-story home, this will translate to 78 degrees upstairs and 80 degrees downstairs in the summer. During winter, you can go with 66 degrees upstairs and 68 degrees downstairs. In three-story homes, the most energy-efficient settings in summer are 78 on the upper floor, 79 on the middle floor, and 80 on the lower floor. For winter, set your thermostat to 66 degrees on the upper floor, 67 on the middle, and 68 on the lower.
Why Is Upstairs Often Warmer?
The first thing you need to understand is why upstairs is so hot. There are several reasons this happens.
How to Increase the Airflow on Second Floors (Ways to Make It Cooler)
There are several ways to get more air conditioning upstairs. These 2-story house air conditioning tips will help you cool upstairs bedrooms.
Why Is My AC Not Cooling the Upstairs Area?
Various things combine to make your air conditioner work. When it’s functioning properly, it generates cold air by pushing it through ducts and into your air registers. When these are unimpeded, the vents distribute cold air throughout your home.
Conclusion
There are various reasons your airflow on the second floor may be imperfect. But, there are an equal number of ways to cool down upstairs bedrooms and make the second story bearable again.
How to set thermostat on lower floor?
In general, in the colder months, set the thermostat on the lower floor to be a degree or two higher than the setting on the upper floor (if you’ve got three floors, the same principle applies – so you will have three different settings, each one a degree or two lower as you go up through the house). In the warmer months you do the reverse – set the thermostat on the lower floor to be a degree or two lower than the setting on the upper floor .
Why is upstairs warmer than downstairs?
In most cases, the upstairs is warmer than the downstairs because you’re setting the thermostats to the same temperature. If you have a dual thermostat system, it’s not going to work correctly.
Why is the second floor of a two story house cooler than the first?
The Complaint. Usually, homeowners with two-story houses have one significant complaint. The second floor is often warmer while the first floor is cooler. This happens for a reason. The mechanics of airflow is its natural thermal convection. Hot air tends to rise upward while cool air goes down.
Why does sweat not evaporate?
There’s too much moisture in the air, so the sweat doesn’t evaporate to cool you off. When the air is drier, sweat dissipates quickly, so you feel comfortable. As the humidity rises, the extra water in the air makes it harder for you to sweat. When you do, it doesn’t evaporate well, so you feel drenched and sticky.
How high should the temperature be when you are gone?
Most people don’t think about it, but you should raise the temp while you’re gone. Often, it is best to go seven to 10 degrees higher than what you normally choose. Hence, if you keep your home at 78 degrees Fahrenheit, you will want to raise it to 85 or 88. This can help you save money on your energy bill each month.
Why can't we tell what temperature to set the floor?
We can’t really tell you what temperature to set either floor on because it is a matter of preference. If you want to be comfortable regardless of cost, there will be some trial and error on your part. For example, you might not want to sweat or be sticky when you’re inside, no matter what you’re doing.
What is a programmable thermostat?
1. Programmable. Programmable thermostats allow you to pre-program the temperature and have multiple settings. For example, it will automatically rise in the morning when you leave and lower to your desired temperature for when you’re home.
