Adjusting Thermostats for the Most Comfort in Multi-Story Homes
Most homes, including multi-story houses, have just one thermostat that controls the temperature throughout. A less common set up is a home with multiple thermostats—typically indicating more than one system or a zoned system. A home with multiple systems or a zoned system is more ideal for multi-story homes. See the following tips for setting one, or multiple, thermostats in a house with two or more levels.
Remember That Heat Rises
As everyone learns in high school, heat rises. More correctly, warm air rises. This means the warm air on the first story of your house will rise to the floors above it, making them warmer. This is why it can be challenging to get balanced temperatures between the different stories of your home—especially for those with only one thermostat.
Settings to Use When You Have One Thermostat
In the summer, set the thermostat two to four degrees lower than what you would like the upstairs temperature to be. This will allow the cooler air upstairs to drop to the lower floor.
During the winter, set the thermostat two to four degrees higher than what you would like the downstairs temperature to be. This will allow the warm air downstairs to rise to the upper floor.
You can also set your fan to run continuously from your thermostat. Keeping air moving throughout your home at all times helps to balance out the temperature between different floors.
Settings to Use When You Have Multiple Thermostats
In the summer, set the thermostat on the highest floor in your house to your desired temperature. Then set the thermostats two degrees warmer as you make your way to the lowest floor in your residence.
You will want to take the opposite approach in the winter. Set the first floor’s thermostat to your desired temperature, and then decrease the temperature setting on your thermostats by two degrees as you go up. Warm air on the first floor will rise and make the upper floors more comfortable.
We Can Help You Get the Most From Your Home’s HVAC System
Metal Masters is an expert home comfort company that can handle installations, repairs, and maintenance for air conditioners and heating systems. We also provide indoor air quality solutions, thermostats, and zoning controls. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment with one of our highly qualified technicians.