Would moving the thermostat to the 2nd floor help with the issue of not getting cold air up there when the 1st floor hits the desired temperature?
Asked by Sophia Williams 
3 months ago
Last Updated: September 16, 2024
Hey there! Mind if I ask for some advice on HVAC stuff? I’m having trouble getting cold air upstairs on the 2nd floor. It seems like when the thermostat on the 1st floor reaches the right temperature, the cooling stops before reaching the 2nd floor. Do you think moving the thermostat upstairs would make a difference? Thanks in advance!
Smart thermostats like the Nest offer remote sensors that you can purchase. This allows you to use the downstairs thermostat during the day and the remote sensor upstairs at night. Without a dual zone HVAC system, there will always be a temperature difference between the upstairs and downstairs.
However, a temporary solution could be simply turning down the thermostat a few extra degrees to cool down the upstairs.
I may not have the perfect answer you’re seeking, but let me tell you – having just one thermostat for a two-story home can be a real hassle. It’s always a struggle to find the right temperature balance between the upstairs and downstairs. We’ve thought about adding a second unit, but we’re waiting for the current one to give out. Maybe there’s a loose duct causing the issue?
You could try adjusting the dampers or supply registers to balance the system better. For example, you could restrict airflow to the first floor and encourage airflow to the second floor. And in the winter, you’d want to switch it back the other way.
It can be tough to circulate cold air uphill in your duct system, so consider adding temperature sensors in different rooms to help your thermostat average out the temperatures and create a comfortable setting.
You’ll need a thermostat that’s compatible.
I mentioned this in another post. Let’s keep the first floor restricted and fully open the second floor. Then switch the fan from auto to ON to keep the air circulating. During the heating season, reverse the dampers and set the fan to auto. Remember, cold air sinks and warm air rises, so use this to your advantage.
A great option is to have two separate systems in place. Other possible solutions include adding insulation to the attic if it’s old or wet, and ensuring that your attic ventilation is working properly.
We faced a similar problem. We were informed that it may be due to the lack of return vents upstairs. We re-insulated the upstairs, adjusted the dampers, and added a booster fan to the upstairs vent.
Your best option would be to zone your house or install a mini split system. Your energy bill would skyrocket if you tried to cool the second floor to match the first floor temperature.
No, do not relocate the thermostat. It would be the same as setting it to 55 degrees on the first floor.
You can achieve the same outcome by lowering the temperature on the current thermostat.
Hey eorge Buruschkin, have you thought about partially closing the registers on the lower floor and keeping the ones upstairs fully open?
Ald Zaccaro, have you tried that already? Did it not work?
Our furnace is located in the basement. There are levers on the main air duct that allow me to control the airflow to the 1st floor/basement and 2nd floor. The ductwork in the basement has levers to control airflow to the basement and 2nd floor. I appreciate the HVAC technician who installed these levers.
Close the downstairs vents in the summer to allow cold air to fall and naturally cool the first floor by cooling the upstairs. Reverse this process in the winter.
Try shutting down all the floor vents on the lower level. This will push most of the air upstairs. Since cold air sinks, this will cool the upstairs better while still keeping the downstairs cool too.
A lot of people have suggested switching to a Smart Thermostat and adding remote sensors upstairs. By the way, many Power Utility Providers offer reimbursements for the Smart Thermostat.
One of the best ways to increase efficiency is by keeping your fan ON all the time or at least on CIRCULATE.
Scott isler, just a heads up – this might cause a rise in humidity in the area being conditioned, leading to potential mold growth.
So, if you’re trying to control two different stories with just one system, zoning might be the way to go. You would need to set up a zoning damper system and add an extra thermostat on the second floor.