skip to main content

Heating & Air Conditioning

Adding central AC to first floor?

11 years ago

Hi all,

We live in MA and recently bought a house. we are adding AC to the second floor, which was toally gutted. Lost the baseboards at the same time. Love that. Not done yet and we've had a couple of heat waves.

We did not do any AC on the first floor. Hoping that old warm air rises, cold air air falls will do something. But, I'm starting to think the second floor will have to really work to keep that floor cool.

What's the tinking of adding AC to the first floor?

Thanks.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

mike_home
11 years ago
If you were only going to add AC to one floor, then the upper floor would be the best choice. Some cool air will fall to the first floor, but there is still going to be a significant (3-5 degrees?) variation in temperature.

If you have the funds, then add AC to the first floor.
ionized_gw
11 years ago
It depends on what you do in the house too. Cooling the upstairs may not be the most efficient way to keep downstairs cool. If you use the whole house all the time, then if the upstairs keeps downstairs cool without overcooling upstairs, fine. If you spend little time upstairs or have to over cool the upstairs, you will save money in the long run with a downstairs system.

Too bad you had to sacrifice the baseboard heat. How many rooms are downstairs? Is there basement access under all the rooms?
Related Discussions
Central AC vs ductless vs 'small duct'
Q
Comments (2)
If you have headroom in your basement I think installing a normal split system and boxing in the ductwork would be the way to go, the attic is the problem you may need to put one or two ductless splits there Here is a link that might be useful: Air Conditioning and Heating Repair Made Easy
...See More
Central AC: Fan on continuously or Auto?
Q
Comments (10)
Your first floor, is it above grade? Do you have open stairwells, high ceilings? What you should do is buy a few cheap thermometers and place them in various locations. Try different settings on the two units and record temps (humidity too if you invest in that kind of measuring device also) over a period of time. What kind of filters do you have/use? How old are the units? Do you have fresh air intakes on the systems? Think of a box, 3 layers high. Seal all air entry points. add a small motor with a filter. The only air that will circulate will be the air in the boxes but it will be filtered. Add some chemicals, dust, dirt, people, pets, etc and then products of them will enter the air and be filtered out if the filter is fine enough. If you put the motor/filter in the upper two boxes I would guess that mostly the air up there would be recirculated and the lower box would have stagnated air. Although the natural draw and physics of heat rises and cool air falls could be a factor. (the stairwells connecting the boxes). Running a blower motor continually in most large many floor type dwellings seems to equalize temps. Hotter upstairs, cooler basements. Since most homes are not air tight, (doors open/close, gaps in joints etc), there would be some outside air getting in. (Unlike the sealed box). An added benefit can be better filtration of the air being circulated. A drawback could be humidity but if the t'stat is set for a desired temp, then the a/c unit would come on and while running, be removing humidity. Does this make sense?
...See More
need help.... adding central air in Seattle--
Q
Comments (3)
I have a luxaire which is same as york. I have the 14.5 seer heatpump (the upgraded model not the lower model). It has a decibal of 69 cooling and 71 heating. It has a compressor jacket. It works great. No problems. Don't be scared of the name. The installer is what really matters. They need to do it right. Ask if they can get luxaire cheaper. Its the same equipment. Price may be a little high. It does include air handler so it won't be super cheap. And your getting some sheet metal done too. Thats not free. Spend more and get a heat pump since your in seattle.
...See More
added central A/C, without permits (San Diego, CA)
Q
Comments (5)
Thanks for the input desertdance. If it's required by law and licensed contractors don't pull the proper permits, do they jeopardize their license? The fact that 4 of the 5 contractors i received bids from were willing to do the job without permits makes me believe it's optional?
...See More
nancita
Original Author
11 years ago
There are three rooms plus a bathroom on the first floor. Yes, there is a basement below the first floor.
We were told the AC/heat system was better than baseboard? The baseboards got really trashed during rennovations.
Thanks.
tigerdunes
11 years ago
What is sq ft of main floor and top floor?

How are you heating each floor?

Post back.

IMO
nancita
Original Author
11 years ago
Hi,
The floors are around 850 sq. ft. each. Gas heat.
Thanks.
stoveguyy
11 years ago
u took out hot water/steam radiators upstairs. and have forced air heat/central air for upstairs now? how are you heating downstairs? do you have 2 systems?
nancita
Original Author
11 years ago
No, it's some kind of hot water system. Can't remember the name.
First floor still has baseboards.
tigerdunes
11 years ago
So just to be clear, you have no ductwork for AC either first floor or second floor?

Please clarify. You are not being specific on exactly what you have for heating either first or second floor.

Post back.

IMO
nancita
Original Author
11 years ago
I am sorry I am not clear. Not exactly sure of the exact terms.
When we bought the house, it had baseboards throughout the house; hot water and gas.
When the second floor was gutted, they destroyed the baseboards and asked if we wanted some hydro something heat exchange that sends heat through the AC ducts that are being installed.
Thanks.

Related Stories

HOMES AROUND THE WORLD Houzz Tour: In Edinburgh, Adding a Bedroom Without Adding On

Creating a mezzanine, or loft level, gives this Scottish apartment extra sleeping quarters and a study

MODERN HOMES Houzz Tour: A Palm Springs Midcentury Home With Central American Flair

By Bryan Anthony

A couple’s desert oasis home takes its style cues and color inspiration from Guatemala

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Wild for Wood in Central Texas

By Mitchell Parker

Mesquite, cherry and white oak harmonize beautifully in an Austin family's warm and modern home

MOST POPULAR First Things First: How to Prioritize Home Projects

By Alison Hodgson

What to do when you’re contemplating home improvements after a move and you don't know where to begin

MY HOUZZ My Houzz: White and Bright Transformation of a Central London Loft

By Esther Hershcovich

See how this architect-photographer couple transformed their family’s home into an airy, contemporary space

COLORFUL KITCHENS Kitchen of the Week: Bold Color-Blocking and a Central Banquette

By Carol Crotta

Glossy red cabinets contrast with black surfaces and white seating in this cooking-dining space designed for entertaining

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: Contemporary Home Hugs a Central Courtyard

An architect's Salt Lake City home celebrates outdoor living in a beautiful blend of modern and organic styles

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: Eclectic and Colorful in Central Austin

A vibrant color palette and playful touches (amazing kitchen!) give a family's ranch style home a fresh update

MODERN HOMES Houzz TV: Seattle Family Almost Doubles Its Space Without Adding On

By Caela McKeever

See how 2 work-from-home architects design and build an adaptable space for their family and business

MOST POPULAR What to Know About Adding a Deck

By Mitchell Parker

Want to increase your living space outside? Learn the requirements, costs and other considerations for building a deck

Sponsored

CHC & Family Developments

4 Reviews

Industry Leading General Contractors in Franklin County, Ohio

More Discussions

Mount range hood to wall or ceiling?

19

Moving the furnace? How difficult and how costly?

5

Remote exhaust fan & range hood recommendations?

0

Engineered vs. Solid Hardwood over radiant floor heating

8

HVAC condensate pump issue

7