I live in San Antonio Texas, in a house that was build back 1985. I have only one central air condition & heat pump for both upstairs and downstairs. I change the filter and get annual maintenance check up. There is a big difference between the temperature upstairs than downstairs (at least 5 to 8 degrees), this even true with ceiling fans running upstairs and downstairs. Buying and installing another air handler would be too costly and require major construction. What do you suggest or recommend on cooling the upstairs?

Hot air rises, that has a lot to do with it. You should ask a heating professional that isn't trying to sell you something what the best idea is. Have a nice day :)

Even though they are a pain and noisey your cheapest bet would be window a/c`s upstairs,not knowing how many rooms or the layout of your upstairs living area its hard to say how many or what size to use,if able maybe one on each end blowing toward each other would be the most efficient,, 5 to 8 degrees difference than the down stairs isn`t bad compaired to some houses

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Originally Posted by wmproop

even though they are a pain and noisey your cheapest bet would be window a/c`s upstairs,not knowing how many rooms or the layout of your upstairs living area its hard to say how many or what size to use,if able maybe one on each end blowing toward each other would be the most effecient,,,,,5 to 8 degrees differance than the down stairs isn`t bad compaired to some houses

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First off I would run the fan continuously, restrict the returns on the first floor to make the ones on the second pull the heat into the system, and open a few supply ducts in the basement.

As stated warm air is pushed upwards by the cooler heavier air trying to get to the lowest level, by providing a constant air flow you will get an evening out of temperature.

Hope this helps

first off i would run the fan continuously

Not good at normal A/C motor speed. Returns too much moisture to the air with the outside unit not running.

restrict the returns on the first floor to make the ones on the second pull the heat into the system

Never restrict return air. Most systems do not have enough return air to start with.


and open a few supply ducts in the basement.


What is needed is to supply more cold air on the second floor not in the basement.

You have a typical problem. The duct was never laid out properly when the home was built. The quick and cheap fix is a window A/C unit upstairs unless you want to tear the walls out and put more duct into the upstairs area. That is not a fun job.

Where are the ceiling fans located? Are any in split level areas i.e. a stairwell or foyer?

If it was me I would damper down the supply registers on the lower floor a little bit at a time, to try and push moore air to the up stairs. It may not fix it but it won't hurt to try ether.