I always try to keep my 2nd floor below 80° but my thermostat is on my 1st floor, so I have to keep changing the downstairs thermostat just to keep the upstairs temperature constant.
*For example:* On a really hot day, I have to set the downstairs thermostat to 72° if I want the upstairs to be 80° but on a mild day, I can set the downstairs thermostat to 76° to keep the upstairs at 80°F.
If the upstairs temperature is bound to be more variable (I assume due to heat transfer through the roof), why not put the thermostat on the 2nd floor?
In: Engineering
People spend most of their waking time in the home on either the ground floor or in the basement.
As to your temperature issues, you know that there are vent controls on your ductwork that allow you to restrict the airflow to certain areas of the house? You should be able, with trial and error, to adjust those controls to maintain an even temperature thoughout the house year round.
Many homes do use two separate systems, one per floor, unless it’s a small home or the builder is targeting a lower construction cost
But in general the main floor is more likey to be the floor where people spend the most time.
Thermostat in the 1st floor is fine; you’re just missing a critical step.
When it’s hot and you have the a/c on, close the vents leading to the first floor. Then the cold air sinks from above and evens out.
When it’s cold and you have the heat on, close the vents leading to the second floor. Then the warm air rises up from below and evens out.
thermostats are usually on the first floor because that’s where people spend most of their time. to balance temperatures, close first floor vents for cooling and second floor vents for heating
Some homes have multiple zones. Ours has a thermostat on each floor that can be set independently. The system opens and closes the ducts to shunt air where it’s needed.
I moved mine to the second floor. It’s more important to have the right temp while sleeping rather than when I’m in the LR or K.
I’m more concerned about the rapid fluctuations coming from your roof area.
For most of The United States the Department of Energy recommends having approximately 20 inches of fluffy stuff in the attic.
Find your attic access and take an easy measurement of just how deep your fluffy stuff is. I would suggest hiring a professional to top it off to the 20 inches recommended.
This will help normalize and redelete the heat temperature fluctuations you’re seeing if you believe it is coming from your attic/roof.
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