Vaulted ceilings? (floor, heating, apartments, cost)

[NicoleJ]

Hi all. We're moving soon and we've been offered a choice of apartments (both the same price) in the complex. One is on the 2nd floor and has really high ceilings, but obviously not vaulted. However the other is on the 3rd floor and does have vaulted ceilings.

I've never had them before. Are they bad as far as heating/cooling costs? What are their pros/cons? Thanks!

[Bones]

Stay closer to the ground....less steps.... Higher ceilings = more $$$ ...

[NicoleJ]

sorry to be so obtuse, but do you mean more money because of higher utility bills or b/c of the ceilings? They've offered us the same price on both apartments.

[BigJon3475]

More volume to cool. Direct sunlight sometimes. all the heat from the apartments below since heat rises.

If it's out of direct sunlight. Has many apartments adjacent to it (sides, bottom and possible behind) The effects will be minimal. If this is a third floor in the sun with only someone directly below you it will cost more to cool (probably rare)

Also think about the amount of items you have......since you'll already be handy capping yourself by being on the third floor. If you have more mass (items collected) that are going to load the apartment up taking much of the available volume. It may make it even harder to cool and heat.....especially if setbacks are used to try and save money.

[Bones]

Yes, probably higher utility bills......

[Sandhills Guru]

Pros and cons both ways as I see it. Sometimes being on the upper levels of a building during winter months you benefit from the heat escaping lower apartments and helping you out some. But then the reverse in summer of course.

And like what was already mentioned, the more cubic foot your apartment has the more cost to heat/cool. All things considered I would take the one with least cubic foot.