During the winter months, we often get calls from homeowners wondering why their two-story homes are noticeably colder downstairs than upstairs. This is a common issue in homes with forced-air HVAC systems and only one thermostat situated on the first floor. To fix uneven heating in the house, it helps to understand how a forced-air system works. Once you have a basic understanding of these systems, there are some practical tips you can try that will help you spread heat more evenly to keep your entire house feeling more comfortable.
The operation of a forced-air HVAC starts when you set the thermostat. You adjust the thermostat to a comfortable temperature, and when the room temperature falls below your desired setting, the furnace kicks on. Whenever your furnace is running, air is being drawn in through the return vents, warmed and then forced out through the supply ducts and into your living space. When the inside air reaches the set temperature, the thermostat automatically shuts the system down. Following the heating cycle, the warm air rises up through the house, and the temperature in the living space around the thermostat falls, triggering the system to switch on again. This automated cycle of warming up and cooling down is one of the primary reasons that homes with forced-air heating systems rarely achieve a consistent temperature for a prolonged period.
Fortunately, there are some things you can do to even out the heat in the house and minimize the upstairs/downstairs temperature difference.
Many homeowners are surprised by the number of DIY adjustments they can make around their homes that help even out inconsistent temperatures and make their homes more energy-efficient. It only takes a few simple modifications that most homeowners can make themselves. If you don’t feel comfortable or need some help, contact your local HB Home Service Team service provider, and one of our qualified HVAC technicians will take you through everything you need to do.
If your vents have dials or levers, you can manage the flow of warm air by adjusting the dampers (those are the little louvers you can sometimes see inside the vents that move up and down to open or restrict airflow). If the first floor of your house is colder in the winter months, keep the dampers on the first-floor vents fully open and only partially open the vents on the second floor to force more warm air to flow into the first-floor rooms. (Top tip: If your upstairs is hotter than your downstairs during the summer, limit the cool airflow to the first floor and open up the vents on the second floor to channel more cool air upward).
If your home has top and bottom style return vents, you can help even out the heat in the house by closing the top vents in the winter months. Closing the top vents will force your HVAC system to draw in air from the bottom vents, which are located at the low point in the room where cold air settles. (Hint: In the summer months, open the top vents and close the bottom ones to draw out air from a higher point in the room where it’s hotter).
Did you know that ceiling fans don’t only keep you cool in summer, but these useful ceiling fittings can also keep warm air inside? Look for a switch on the base of the ceiling fan, set it so that the blades rotate in a clockwise direction and set the fan to its lowest setting. During the months you use your furnace, this setting will cause the fan blades to draw up warm air that collects near the ceiling and push it off the ceiling and down the walls to keep the lower portion of the room warmer.
If you have made all these adjustments and are still experiencing inconsistent temperatures, your heating system may be incorrectly sized to meet your home’s heating requirements. HVAC systems that are too small run longer and more frequently, and systems that are too large operate on short cycles, which is hard on the motor. Improper sizing results in higher energy costs and more repairs due to wear and tear on mechanical parts.
If your basement becomes a no-go zone during the winter months, it may be worth finding ways to add warmth so you can enjoy this often underutilized area of your home throughout the year. Using a space heater is one of the fastest ways to heat your enclosed basement space, but it does come with risks, especially if you have kids.
The best solution for heating your basement depends on your home’s design, specific heating requirements and budget. Heating options to consider include:
Before you decide, it helps to get professional advice to ensure you make an investment that will serve your needs long-term. Your local HB Home Service Team HVAC expert can provide free estimates on various basement heating options based on your home’s unique layout and the complexity of the required extension.
Cold air is denser than warm air, so it accumulates at the bottom level of your home. Since warm air naturally rises, you may need to manage temperature differences in homes with a forced-air HVAC system. Carefully controlling vent openings to channel more warm air to downstairs vents and restricting the amount released into rooms upstairs can help even out temperature differences.
If you have a forced-air HVAC system, it helps to fully open the first-floor vents and only partially open the second-floor vents. This restricts the amount of warm air directed to the upper level while forcing warmed air into the ground floor area. If the downstairs area still feels much cooler than the floor above, try closing the top return vents to encourage the HVAC system to draw colder air from the lower return vents. This can help balance out the temperature throughout your home.
Your home’s HVAC system should be serviced regularly to keep it in good working order and avoid costly and uncomfortable breakdowns. A routine tuneup will give you peace of mind that your system is ready for another year of heating and cooling, and it will ensure all components are functioning correctly and operating at peak efficiency.
If you suspect your HVAC system is not the correct size for your home or you want to extend your current heating to more areas, HB Home Service Team can help. To learn more, call 717-232-HEAT or schedule an appointment online today!
