Our house is a 2-story with cathedral ceilings throughout. The house is only 4 years old and about 2800 sq. ft. The 2nd floor is bedrooms only. It is very difficult to heat or cool the upstairs. This past summer, by recommendation of a friend, we had the whole house fan running all night long in order to keep the air circulating and cool the upstairs. This seemed to work well, however I am not sure it is the most efficient way. Now it is winter and the upstairs is extremely warm compared to the lower level. We switch the ceiling fan on the main level to pull the air up in the winter and down in the summer. There is a fresh air intake, but it seems to use the compressor every time it goes on, so we have that completely turned off all the time now.

Does anyone have any suggestions on the best way to heat and cool the upstairs with cathedral ceilings? Dot he ceiling fans play a key roll? Should we have the fresh air on more in the winter?

Thanks for your help.

You have a typical problem with a two story and cathedral ceilings. A return air duct of the correct size should have been placed at the top upmost area of the ceiling OR a second system should have been installed just to service the second floor. With out the high return of the proper size or a second unit for the top floor I do not believe there is a cure.

This subject should have been brought to the builders attention when you first discovered the problem 4 years ago.

Where is the ceiling fan located? The best placement is in a split level area such as a foyer or stairwell. It might not need be in reverse operation.

Frequently asked ceiling fan questions - Ceiling Fans N More (http://www.ceiling-fans-n-more.com/ceiling-fan-faq.php#14)