Multi Level Homes and Temperatures

Are you uncomfortable in your home?

It’s been a problem for a while.   We are talking about multi-level (half a floor or more difference) home with one comfort system.  With the move to efficiency the thought was if one air conditioner and or heat system was used, lower power consumption would be the result.  The issue of comfort has become a hot topic, literally.   How do we manage the temperature issue?  Hot air rises and cold air sinks.    If the duct system is designed with the same duct and air flow requirements as a single story home, we will have a problem.   In a hot climate, what we fix for summer makes it unbearably hot upstairs during the heating season.  In a cool climate lower levels can become uncomfortably cold during long weather cycles.

[If your home is multi level be cautious at purchasing an air conditioner to solve your problems.   Is a contractor trying to sell you two-speed, two stage or variable capacity A/C or heating system replacing a single speed unit without addressing your duct system?]

Solution; zone the two levels.   It is not that easy. Continue reading Multi Level Home and Temperatures →