should my zone damper be open or closed for better cooling?

Question

Hi,My home is about 1200 sq feet/2 story.It's 99 F degrees outside.I have a zone damper control.For better cooling should it be set to open or closed? With the A/C unit operating,currently the upstairs is 86 and the downstairs is 81

Thanks for your help!

The damper is located upstairs,nearby the attic.It has been set to open.

Answer 1

not sure where your zone damper is located or if you are using the right terminology...if the damper is coming off of the furnace duct going to the house then yes it should be open..if it is a damper to the outside then it should be closed

Answer 2

You don't say where the damper or your two zones are so this is a guess. I'm guessing that your two zones are upstairs and down. If the damper is on the zone to the second floor and the second floor is hot, open the damper a little each day until the temps are about the same. Do the opposite if the damper is on the downstairs supply duct.

Answer 3

Your problem might be elsewhere. Could be your air return is in the wrong spot (building mistake) and/or you need to vent your attic or add more insulation in the attic.

I suspect your zone should be open........but play around with it. You may need to also adjust in lower rooms individually by adjusting individual registers.