I live in a small split-level. We have an A/C system, but the basement and lower floor are always a lot colder than the main level and the top level where the bedrooms are. The thermostat is next to the bathroom on the top floor, where it's the warmest. How can I get the bedroom level cool and keep the lower floors from being freezing cold? Preferably without spending a lot of money??
2007-07-11 04:51:14 · 3 answers · asked by brilbeaut 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Yes, I know warm air rises...the thermostat is in the warmest, most humid place in the house LOL.
So the solution may be in moving the thermostat downstairs and changing the ducts so that they are more likely to cool the top floor...makes sense.
2007-07-11 05:03:35 · update #1
Unfortunately, cold air is much heavier than warm air. Thus, the cold air gravitates to the lower floors, and the warmer air is displaced to the top floors.
The best way to keep the top rooms cool is to make sure that the a/c outlet vents are open in those rooms, and keep the doors to those rooms closed. Now go to the rooms in the lower area and close any heating/cooling vents to prevent a/c air from being blown into the lower rooms. [Remember to switch the open and closed outlet vents when you are trying to heat the house in winter.]
Additionally, find your "cold air return vent" for your particular heating/cooling unit (I assume you have central air conditioning). Ideally, this "cold air return" should be on the lower floor of the house, next to the floor. Thus, the a/c would suck the colder air from the lower floors and re-distribute it to the upper floors. If your cold air return vent is not on the lower floor, it would not cost a lot to have the heating company install a new vent.
The only other idea I have is to install a door at the bottom or top of a staircase. The idea is to seal the space so that the cold air cannot travel down into the lower rooms.
2007-07-11 05:06:28 · answer #1 · answered by Lorax 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you have adjustable vents downstairs, close off one or so, OR, partially close off all.
If they are not adjustable, new vents are inexpensive.
You may look into installing the damned thermostat downstairs. Sheesh. All the heat rises.
2007-07-11 12:00:42 · answer #2 · answered by ed 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You either need more ducts or return air vents. The system is not working properly with the current set-up.
2007-07-11 11:57:05 · answer #3 · answered by sensible_man 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋