Here's a little background on my situation:
Bought a new place in 2009 (built in 08). There is a 3 ton unit for the downstairs, and a 2 ton upstairs. They are NOT heat pumps, even though I live in Nashville and that is the standard for our area if you have electric heat. So, it's straight electric resistance heating.
The reason there is a 3 ton downstairs, is that it is also responsible for the basement. They ran duct work in the basement, but that's it. It's not finished, so there are block walls and concrete floors. Currently, I have those vents sealed and closed as to not heat and cool that space.
It's a long narrow house, so all the bedrooms are upstairs. We only use one bedroom of the 3 up there.
Well, we were gone for 8 days during the last billing cycle, and our bill was $350. I kept it at 60 while we were away, and typically keep it fairly cool on the house, about 65 degrees. The bill seems high, but since it is straight electric heat, I can see that it might make some sense. I should add I have the units serviced annually, so I expect they are operating as designed.
Here's my questions:
1) Should I continue to leave the basement sealed? (Since it is a 3 ton unit, I don't know if I am making it work more inefficient by doing this)
2) Should I close the vents in the bedrooms were aren't using, or will this cause the unit to operate more inefficiently?
3) Would a programmable thermostat make sense, and if so, what should I set the temp to during the day, as I already keep the house somewhat cool at 65 degrees.
Any help is appreciated on educating me on the best way to work with this setup.
Bought a new place in 2009 (built in 08). There is a 3 ton unit for the downstairs, and a 2 ton upstairs. They are NOT heat pumps, even though I live in Nashville and that is the standard for our area if you have electric heat. So, it's straight electric resistance heating.
The reason there is a 3 ton downstairs, is that it is also responsible for the basement. They ran duct work in the basement, but that's it. It's not finished, so there are block walls and concrete floors. Currently, I have those vents sealed and closed as to not heat and cool that space.
It's a long narrow house, so all the bedrooms are upstairs. We only use one bedroom of the 3 up there.
Well, we were gone for 8 days during the last billing cycle, and our bill was $350. I kept it at 60 while we were away, and typically keep it fairly cool on the house, about 65 degrees. The bill seems high, but since it is straight electric heat, I can see that it might make some sense. I should add I have the units serviced annually, so I expect they are operating as designed.
Here's my questions:
1) Should I continue to leave the basement sealed? (Since it is a 3 ton unit, I don't know if I am making it work more inefficient by doing this)
2) Should I close the vents in the bedrooms were aren't using, or will this cause the unit to operate more inefficiently?
3) Would a programmable thermostat make sense, and if so, what should I set the temp to during the day, as I already keep the house somewhat cool at 65 degrees.
Any help is appreciated on educating me on the best way to work with this setup.
