My builder recommended a 2 degree thermostat setting difference between the first and second floors...he went into an explanation but I kinda zoned out for a bit. Prior to this home I only had one zone.

You ever hear of this and does anyone have a reason why it is beneficial to do this?

(One unit in basement and one in the attic. 3200 sqft home. 13 SEER Lennox)

 

because heat rises?

if you have thermostat on first floor, second floor will be warmer.

if you have on second floor, first floor will be colder.

 

In the winter I do not run the heat on the second floor. The thermostat is actually off from about October/November through spring up there. As the first floor zone heats up our first floor and second floor b/c of the open floorplan... so it's actually very effecient for us.

 

Stat on each floor - 2 separate units

 

If you want one unit to do the work of 2, you can set the stats at the same temp and the lower floor heater will always be heating the top won't get cool enough, and in the summer the reverse will apply.