CanNOT heat the upstairs...

[matt375]

We've just moved into a fully remodeled home and have found that the upstairs is FREEZING. So, I ran a few tests to see what was going on.
Basically there is an open staircase which is very warm until midway up - It is like hitting a wall of cold air after that.

I took a lighter and lit it at the top of the stairs only to find that the cold air was trying to force it's way down the staircase. The warm air from downstairs just sits at around midway up the stairs and shows no signs of moving up them.

There are no drafts upstairs and none downstairs and I am confused. I have even switched the upstairs warm vents into cold air returns to see if that would force warm air circulation but it does not help either. Even witht the vents reversed to cold air it remains the same COLD temperature upstairs.

Downstairs is literally hot as is the upstairs literally cold. I do not understand what is happening or what I need to do because if only 10% of the warm downstairs air could make it's way up the staircase we'd see a temp. difference of probably 10 degrees or better.

Help is appreciated!

Matt

 

[Scoby_Beasley]

The film Poltergeist springs to mind

 

[matt375]

Yes, thank you.

 

[breezer]

might sound daft but what happens if you open an upstairs window? i am thinking althhough hot air rises it cant if it has no "flow"

how long have you been there / had problem?

 

[matt375]

I've given thought to this but didn't follow through yet because of it being near 0 degrees out lately.

I have two cold air returns which I felt would be more than enough current to pull the warm air up the staircase.