I know that someone posted over the summer about keeping your air conditioner settings at certain temps downstairs and upstairs. Is that the same for heat? I have my downstairs on 71 which feels warmer and comfortable (used to have it set on 75) and upstairs it is freezing but set on 73 (now 74). Any reccomendations? Thanks
The heat is going to rise regardless of the thermostat setting. If the upstairs is the sleeping area you generally don't need it as warm as the living area. You won't overwork your lower unit.
Aha, a pissing match is just what I was avoiding myself. And besides, since I don't spend my day posting on here I definitely don't have the time! And you're right again, it's not worth it. :wink:
EXU, first you have to tell us what kind of system you have? Heat pump, Gas Pack, etc... Then, is it a dual unit or single with zone valves?
I have a heat pump, one for upstairs and one for downstairs. The heat now is set on 71 downstairs and 74 upstairs (only because it is freezing upstairs).
Goodness! 74 and it is freezing? Have you had your units serviced lately? Seriously, at 74 degrees you should be wearing shorts and flip flops in your house!
And buy a humidifier! That is a whole lotta dry air you are pumping around your house all winter long. Headaches, nose bleeds and dry, scratchy throats - who needs 'em?
Something's not right if it's freezing upstairs with the thermostat set on 74 degrees. Do you have heat coming out of all the ducts? Is the thermostat located where the sun shines directly on it through a window, or where it gets a lot of heat coming up the stairs maybe? Progress Energy will give you a home energy check that will pinpoint any problems. If you have a new or nearly new house, it should be well insulated and not drafty. As Ken has pointed out, warm air rises, so it should be warmer upstairs, not colder. Have you thought about contacting your electric company for a home energy check?
I was thinking the same. I keep mine on 65. Then again, I could go to alaska in a bikini and be in heaven. I love the cold and hate the hot.
Well all other bedrooms are warm and toasty, it is the master bedroom, which is pretty much the whole front of the house....when you walk in you walk by three big windows.....it stays real cold through there, so I didn't know if the windows had anything to do with it. The rest of the house is fine. I have the downstairs on 71 and it is just fine....comfy actually. So I don't know what the deal is. I have now closed the curtains in front of those windows to see if that helps. So far so good....so I might turn it down.....tonight....
Oh, yeah, windows can be a huge source of heat loss. Heavy drapes should help a lot. There's a film you can get at Lowe's or Home Depot that's supposed to reduce heat loss through the glass, and also reduce heat gain in summer. Also if you have cathedral ceilings and ceiling fans, reverse the fan and run it on low speed to circulate the air. We say heat rises, but that's not exactly true. Warm air rises because it's lighter than cold air; heat tries to equalize, so it is drawn to colder surfaces and colder areas. Those uncovered windows will continually draw heat out of the room. I don't even want to think about your electric bill, girl!
Yeah, that's what I was trying to say! I got a roll of that film for my south-facing patio door, but it's still in the closet, so I don't know how effective it will be. If I ever get around to putting it up, I'll let you know. :wink: It says on the package that it reflects summer heat and retains winter heat. We'll see.
Always heard that the stuff ya pick up at home improvement stores is seriously lacking in quality. Compare it to tinting your own car windows with what you buy in an auto parts store. Take yours back before ya bother to open it Grandma since ya ain't put it up yet. Buy a shade instead!
Agreed, Ken. I am going to get some for my kitchen doors (all glass) and windows... where my thermostat is located. :x
I knew you (Ken) would say something about my two cents! Seriously though, call around and ask a few professionals for their opinions. I had a guy come to the house and show me the difference becuase I was so skeptical. Anyhow, thassa how I arrived with .02 in my pocket. And Cleo for future reference, keep all agreeing with Ken to yourself please. Period. I mean it. Don't make me come over there.
