Basement and Thermostat location

[keano016]

Hi

I have two questions for you guys.

Should you have the basement heated with separate registers or just open a register or two on the main trunk line? How about a return? I think having that type of a setup would help with dehumidification in the summer no? The basement is finished and used in the winter.

Where would you put a thermostat for a first floor colonial. In a formal living room that is not used as much, and is near the staircase for upstairs (where air will eventually be floating up). Or in a family room, on the other side of the house, near the kitchen. This area is used 90% of the time.

[Todd S 2]

The thermostat should be in a central location. No matter where it goes, balancing will need to performed.
If you use the basement I would recommend extended supplies and a return air or two.
Zoning (if you can get to the basement ducts) works great. You could have three thermostats (as I do) and let them "balance" the home for you.

[keano016]

Can you have more thermostat per furnace?


The thermostat should be in a central location. No matter where it goes, balancing will need to performed.
If you use the basement I would recommend extended supplies and a return air or two.
Zoning (if you can get to the basement ducts) works great. You could have three thermostats (as I do) and let them "balance" the home for you.

[Todd S 2]

Can you have more thermostat per furnace?

I didn't understand the question. But if you meant to say, can you have multiple thermostats on one furnace (system), then the answer is yes.

[keano016]

I didn't understand the question. But if you meant to say, can you have multiple thermostats on one furnace (system), then the answer is yes.

Then why did a contractor told me that you can only have one thermostat per furnace.

My other furnace would be going in the attic, so I originally though to put a thermostat there in case the temperature ever got below 32F to kick the furnace on (there was going to be a small register in that area)

[Todd S 2]

Then why did a contractor told me that you can only have one thermostat per furnace.

My other furnace would be going in the attic, so I originally though to put a thermostat there in case the temperature ever got below 32F to kick the furnace on (there was going to be a small register in that area)

Some people don't know/care to zone. But it has its place, for sure. Your situation sounds like a perfect fit.
I have 3 thermostats in my home. I just got back from selling zoning system to a family that can't A/C their second floor.

[Mustang894me]

Zone systems are a very nice thing to have. im not quite sure about putting a stat in the attic tho. i haven't been in one attic yet that has gotten that cold to require its own heat. unless its a usable space.make sure you deal with a company that know what there doing sounds like the first one you had don't know so i wouldn't chose them ...

[beenthere]

Then why did a contractor told me that you can only have one thermostat per furnace.

My other furnace would be going in the attic, so I originally though to put a thermostat there in case the temperature ever got below 32F to kick the furnace on (there was going to be a small register in that area)

Because your system isn't zoned.

Is your attic vented? If so, you don't want to try and heat it.

[keano016]

Because your system isn't zoned.

Is your attic vented? If so, you don't want to try and heat it.

No the attic is not vented. Old house, there is no ventilation in the sofits or on the roof. Part of the attic is finished, and the furnace would be in an area adjacent to the finished room. O plan on putting styrofoam on the roof rafters, then insulation. All this to ensure the drain trap does not freeze in the winter.

When you say zoned, do you guys mean dampers and all, or having separate thermostats ?

[beenthere]

Dampers, zoning panel, barometric, or modulating bypass, and 1 thermostat for each zone.