Why does the upstairs stay warm when the downstairs feels comfortable? Will a more expensive filter help your HVAC system? And what should you check when water pressure suddenly drops? In this customer Q&A, Grant from Darnold & Lyons explains how he approaches seven everyday home comfort and plumbing concerns.
Uneven temperatures between floors
In a two-story home served by one system, the thermostat controls conditions at its location, often on the main floor. Grant explains that the upstairs can remain warmer, especially in summer, even while that downstairs space is comfortable. Some adjustments may narrow the difference, but a separate system dedicated to the upper floor may be worth considering. Depending on the layout and number of rooms, that could be a mini-split.
Thermostat settings and airflow
Grant starts with personal comfort when discussing thermostat settings. He cautions against unusually low cooling settings or high heating settings, describing approximately 68°F for cooling and 74°F for heating as his own practical extremes. These are his guidelines, rather than universal settings for every household. If your system cannot reach a setting, moving the thermostat farther in that direction will not resolve the underlying limitation.
He also advises restraint when closing vents. A small adjustment in one unused room might help, but restricting too much airflow can create maintenance and reliability problems. Ask a technician whether the change suits your system.
Filters and homebuying checks
A higher filter price does not necessarily mean a better fit. Grant favors a compatible four-inch pleated media filter and warns that restrictive, high-MERV one-inch filters can load up quickly. His focus is filtration that works with the equipment’s airflow requirements.
When evaluating a home to buy, he looks beyond the equipment brand. Installation workmanship and maintenance history matter. A trusted HVAC professional can help assess details that a buyer may not recognize.
Sewer odors and lower water pressure
Grant identifies blocked plumbing vents, a failed toilet wax seal, and dried-out drain traps as possible sources of sewer odors. If the cause is not quickly apparent, he recommends a plumber.
For lower water pressure, first distinguish a single-fixture problem from a whole-house problem. A clogged faucet aerator or local supply valve can affect one sink. A restriction in the main line or an issue at a pressure-regulating valve can affect the entire home. That distinction helps direct the next inspection.
Watch the full conversation
Use the video to hear Grant’s explanations in context. For a concern specific to your home, contact Darnold & Lyons to discuss an HVAC or plumbing assessment.
