Too Cold Downstairs

going on the information given, I must ask if the lower level is concrete slab or if there is a crawlspace? Is it insulated under there if it is a crawlspace?

Plus heat rises so it will be warmer upstairs upstairs. I would suggest moving the thermostat downstairs. If that is not possible, invest in a good pair of bunny slippers and lots of blankets this winter, that is if it gets cold wherever it is that you live.

Now when you say downstairs, how many of the exterior walls are below ground? (if any) No matter the downstairs will always be cooler than the upstairs. Normal room vents have a tendency to just distribute the heat in all different directions because they don't close off all the other air gaps created by the machnical "flaps"

Is your tile on concrete foundation? if so there's nothing you can do since the tile is aready down. Many find tile too cold for comfort and some installations include resistance heat strips under the tile to keep them warm. Though with a entire lower level floor this would get spendy in a hurry. Though instead of bunny slippers I'll recommend crocs.

The down and dirty answer is you need to control the amount of airflow to the downstairs before it's distributed in each room. I'm going to go out on a limb and say the resistance of your duct work is directing more air to the closer area (your downstairs) and starving your upstairs making your system run too long cooling the upstairs to 72 and moving your temp downstairs to where jello remains constant.

If there's already a damper in your duct work, make sure it's doing it's job. It may be controled by a small motor, or completely mechanical. If you don't have a damper(s) I'd say installing one to help with air flow will cure your problem. You need to redirect more air upstairs and limit the air downstairs, this will help your system achieve maximum efficiency (saving you money, and making your carbon footprint smaller) thus making algore happy with your system.

Thanks for the quick replies. Yes indeed we are on a concrete slab. The house was actually built in 1973. We removed the carpet during the remodel because we are located on a lake and wanted to eliminate any water issues from the many lake activities. The lower level is actually toasty warm in winter. The tile heats up and stays that way. The "money pit" did not allow for a dual system.

Do you know anything about the wireless thermostats?

Thanks

I have to agree with Ritepath, you need to manage and control the airflow. The location of the thermostat is actually irrelevant as far as controlling the temperature differentials. The location simply sets the temp for the immediate area. Most homes that have two or more levels will have temp differences between top and bottom levels and increasing the airflow is about the least expensive and most efficient of balancing temps. Consider adding extra fans in the ductwork or at critical vents.

Good luck

Thanks again for the help! Will be implementing the suggestions this weekend and hopefully won't have anymore squealing, shivering, dripping wet kids yelling ..."It's freezing in here, turn on the heat" when it's 90F + outside.

Will post our results..many thanks

STOP !!!!

Before you mess with the system consider this. If you change the cooling level downstairs you will most likely increase the moisture level downstairs and get mold.

I know several people who have that problem and lowering the temp downstairs was an efetive way to remove the moisture.

seabreeze:

Our home has three levels with open stairwells which allow free convection flow. It had a single thermostatically controlled zone with the thermostat on the center floor. The predictable result was a cold lower level and hot upper level. We corrected the problem by retrofitting three more thermostatically controlled zones.

The work was done by a local contractor and consisted of motorized vanes installed in the supply air ducts and controlled by wires snaked through the ducts from the new thermostats. All return ducts remain open.

We now have four zones, one on each level and one for the master bedroom, and the house is MUCH more comfortable. I can highly recommend this approach, both for comfort and to make your house more salable in the future.

Best regards.

DickL

I had the same problem all I did was close the vents in the basement or lower level close some of the vents on the main floor and you will have all floor levels the same temp. You may need to experiment a little as to which one need to be open and which ones need to be closed but it does work. My upper level was to warm in the summer and too clod in the winter as was the basement to cold in the winter and summer (because of the air conditioner. You will find that once you play with the dampers or the vents through out your house (both summer and winter) you can balance the temp on every floor all year long. Keep it simple and save any money you think you need to spend.. IT WORKS!