Other than simply location of the thermostat, it sounds more like you have too bid a swing temperature? Some thermostats have a setting that determines how narrow or wide the range can be- for instance, if you set the temp to 70, it will heat up to 72, turn off, then cool down to 68 before it goes back on. That is a 2 degree swing (above and below) giving your room a FOUR degree difference! If it were one degree swing, the difference would be 69-71 for a 70 degree setting. I personally find even a 1 degree swing noticeable as I tend to be cold. It is normal that you would totally sense a different comfort level with a wider swing. The smaller the swing, the more your system will cycle on and off to maintain the tighter temp range. Some thermostats are only one setting, though, so you have to look at the manual for yours. I think that is the most likely thing, but I am by far no expert. and yes, the celing fans help keep the hot air off the ceiling during winter when run in reverse on slow- especially good for those vaulted ceilings.

Just a quick addition: If the only hot water knob is turned on with my faucet, only air. If only cold water knob is turned on with my faucet, full pressure. If hot water knob and cold water knob both turned on, I'm at 1/2 pressure/flow. Just wanted to clarify. Thanks, and I look forward to your responses.

There is no pat answer for your problem but a good place to begain is by asking if down stairs was warming well in the past. If so make sure (A) All elements/burners are operating (B) Both return and supply ducts are not leaking (C) Cooling coils are not dirty restricting air flow. After that,it's probably time to call in the pros unless you are exceptionally mechanicaly talented. If you are indeed talented and have tools we can walk you through the testing process.

You are going to use existing radiators? One pipe system or two-pipe? Does your steam system work well (silently, no leaks, even heat)? I don't think that steam is well-suited to temperature set-backs. Is that what you like to do? You have natural gas? If no gas, a heat pump might be a good bet. New England is a climate-diverse area if you are in the extreme part wrt cold, a heat pump might not be appropriate. I think, hot water can give you a more efficient boiler compared to steam. The end efficiency of the hydronic heat boiler depends a great deal on the overall design of the heating system. You must have sufficient radiation to bring down the temperature of the return water to condensing temperature. If your system as a whole can't deliver this, don't install a condensing boiler. It is the wrong tool for the job and will not function well. You might stick with steam if your system can't support an efficient hot water boiler and you don't want to spend a lot to install new rads or ducts. Lastly, finding good steam workers can be tough. If there is a youngster in your area that can handle your system until you die, you will be in luck. There are lots of boiler people at terry love.com and at heatinghelp.com (the wall). Beware, there are lots of steam chauvinists there that will not budge for an efficiency argument. condensing boiler explanation