[patmos]

Hi all,

Before I describe my problem I want you to know that I exhausted the server search engine before posting. The answers out there seem mostly for home owners so I wasn't able to research this effectively on my own. So here's hoping you can help.

I live in a 2 story apartment with a single entryway to the second floor at the head of some stairs. The thermostat is right next to this entryway on the second floor. I spent 80% of my time on the second floor.

Well, since hot air rises and cold sinks, this hasn't been a problem for me in the winter. I'm content to let the hot air rise from the lower floor and leave the thermostat alone, being mostly cozy.

But now the summer is coming and I don't want to try keeping the whole place cool - only the second floor. My appt's management is as responsive as a glacier in a coma - on quaaludes - so it's up to me.

I thought about a plastic or a heavy fabric barrier to hang across the entryway and I would enter and exit the second floor like a tent. I figure if I can keep the cool air that's already there confined to the second floor, and not be wasted by sinking to the first, I'll be alright.

I'm hoping the braintrust here can help me find a simple, cheap solution better than my own thoughts (no strain there) or at least confirm that I'm on the right track.

Thanks in advance,
- patmos

 

[ChuckF.]

Describe your system; Forced air heating natural gas and electrical A/C with outdoor condenser that blows through the same floor vents? Where are the returns? What rooms on what floors? What kind of furnace/AC? Model numbers? What state do you live in, etc.

 

[ron45]

A high velocity fan.
Summer time the fan faces down.
Winter time the fan faces upward.

I may have it backwards so maybe try it both ways.