Air Circulation in Multi-Level House
 

I live in a small 1980-era tri-level house. in the Denver area of Colorado.
We just installed a new forced-air furnace and central A/C. There is a
fairly steep (I think) temperature differntial between the upper level
(contains kitchen and master bedroom) and lower level (with my office and
2nd bedroom) - perhaps as much as 10-15 degrees.

A ceiling fan in the kitchen helps, as does the fan on the furnace (it's a
variable-speed fan, and the installers said to leave it running constantly
and it would circulate air). Is there anything else I can do to increase
circulation?

More details:

* There are air returns on all 3 levels.
* There are forced-air ducts inn almost every room. They all seem to work.
* It is most noticable in the afternoons, as there is no shade on the west
side of the house. I try to keep blinds closed then.
* It is more or less open between all 3 levels. Top level has kitchen, bath,
master bedroom. Middle level has living room. Lower level has family room
(used as my office), bath and 2nd bedroom. Kitchen, living room, family room
are "stacked staggered", and are open along the common wall (railing).

One reason for my question is my wife would like to eliminate the ceiling
fan in the kitchen, replace it with better looking lights. Aesthetically, I
would like that too.

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Air Circulation in Multi-Level House
 

From: denverdoright-at-hotmail-dot-com
Date: 10/30/2003 5:33 PM Eastern Standard Time
Message-id:

I live in a small 1980-era tri-level house. in the Denver area of Colorado.
We just installed a new forced-air furnace and central A/C. There is a
fairly steep (I think) temperature differntial between the upper level
(contains kitchen and master bedroom) and lower level (with my office and
2nd bedroom) - perhaps as much as 10-15 degrees.

A ceiling fan in the kitchen helps, as does the fan on the furnace (it's a
variable-speed fan, and the installers said to leave it running constantly
and it would circulate air). Is there anything else I can do to increase
circulation?

More details:

* There are air returns on all 3 levels.
* There are forced-air ducts inn almost every room. They all seem to work.
* It is most noticable in the afternoons, as there is no shade on the west
side of the house. I try to keep blinds closed then.
* It is more or less open between all 3 levels. Top level has kitchen, bath,
master bedroom. Middle level has living room. Lower level has family room
(used as my office), bath and 2nd bedroom. Kitchen, living room, family room
are "stacked staggered", and are open along the common wall (railing).

One reason for my question is my wife would like to eliminate the ceiling
fan in the kitchen, replace it with better looking lights. Aesthetically, I
would like that too.

Use natural convection forces after you've unnaturally heated or cooled the air
through the air handler:

In winter, close or restrict the supply register(s) on the upper floor, and the
return register on the lower floor... and in summer, close or restrict the
supply register(s) on the lower floor, and the return register on the upper
floor.

Hot air rises, cool air falls.

Air Circulation in Multi-Level House
 

Actually, I've tried that, there is still a significant differential. I had
thought about installing some sort of more active solution, like maybe a
duct from the ceiling area of the kitchen to the lower level with a fan
inside. But I'm not sure this will move enough air, or be quiet enough,
given the size of the area I could put a fan.

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Air Circulation in Multi-Level House
 

denverdoright-at-hotmail-dot-com wrote in message
...
I live in a small 1980-era tri-level house. in the Denver area of
Colorado.
We just installed a new forced-air furnace and central A/C. There is a
fairly steep (I think) temperature differntial between the upper level
(contains kitchen and master bedroom) and lower level (with my office and
2nd bedroom) - perhaps as much as 10-15 degrees.


Who installed it?
Did they do a manual D??? If not, there you go...you have air duct issues...
If its what we call a Split level here, thats a common issue.

Did you only get ONE unit? Most times if its not zoned out with two, you
have the exact same symptoms you describe.

If you want, I have a couple of contacts in the Springs that might drive up
and give you some ideas, but they, like me, work in the trade, and might
charge for the trip.


A ceiling fan in the kitchen helps, as does the fan on the furnace (it's a
variable-speed fan, and the installers said to leave it running constantly
and it would circulate air). Is there anything else I can do to increase
circulation?

More details:

* There are air returns on all 3 levels.
* There are forced-air ducts inn almost every room. They all seem to work.
* It is most noticable in the afternoons, as there is no shade on the west
side of the house. I try to keep blinds closed then.
* It is more or less open between all 3 levels. Top level has kitchen,
bath,
master bedroom. Middle level has living room. Lower level has family room
(used as my office), bath and 2nd bedroom. Kitchen, living room, family
room
are "stacked staggered", and are open along the common wall (railing).

One reason for my question is my wife would like to eliminate the ceiling
fan in the kitchen, replace it with better looking lights. Aesthetically,
I
would like that too.

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x-- UNLIMITED DOWNLOAD

Air Circulation in Multi-Level House
 

denverdoright-at-hotmail-dot-com wrote in message
...
What is a "Manual D"? (Excuse my ignorance....)

Not a problem...
Manual D is the way we PROPERLY size ducts, to insure that enough air, at
the correct volume and velocity is delivered to each room, and enough air is
removed via the returns to insure your total comfort..

Manual J is used to calculate heat gain/loss of the home to properly size
your unit.
Manual T is used when sizing heat pumps...J is sometimes substitued.
Manual N is used for commercial application sizing,
But D is always used for duct sizing.



There is only one unit - it's a "starter" home in Highlands Ranch, and
even
if it were proposed, I probably wouldn't have gone for a second one, too
much expense.

Not flaming...but its gonna cost you more long term IF a second unit is
required....even if you dont put one in.
What you have is a common problem with the cheaper builders out your way.
Saw it all the time when I lived in Colorado Springs. Amazing that anyone,
particularly the builder, would skimp on the one appliance that is asked to
perform day in, day out, without trouble for years, that maintains your
living enviroment.



I may just have to live with ceiling fans....

Ugh..:)


Thanks!

Good luck.


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