Summer Cooling Costs in 2 Story Homes versus 1 Story??

Question

I really want to buy a two story home ( I live in Arizona), but I'm afraid of the cooling/heating costs. Are they really that much different then a 1 story home? Does having dual air-conditioners help that much? Ideas?? Any info would help. Thanks!!

Answer 1

Have you tried your electric company? They might have some information on what the the average bill is in the house you are going to buy.

The window tinting has helped our house, and your yearly inspection can tell you if your AC needs any maintenance. We did maintenance on ours a year ago and can tell the difference.

Answer 2

I live in Alabama (where it gets plenty hot in the summer) in a 2 story home. There is a HVAC system for each floor that have seperate controls. This way I can control which area is cooled/heated independent from the rest. When I am sleeping upstairs, I keep it cooler than downstairs. And vice versa when I am awake and spending my time downstairs. I haven't noticed much of an increase in electric bills since moving from a single story home with just one HVAC unit.