help it is cold

Yep, sounds like the thermastat is bad. Replace it with a new digital programmable one. The cheap ones are no good--be sure to get one of the more expensive ones at Home Depot. (Don't worry, the most expensive thermastat at Home Depot is way cheaper than the ones that those HVAC crooks sell with all their markup.)

You may also need to replace the thermastat wiring with new digital thermastat wiring.

posted for all of us...

Yes, believe PJM but I also recommend new wire, anchors and wire ties and clips, do the job right!

before you go to home cheapo, try putting in new batteries in the downstairs t-stat. if that doesnt work, smash it with a framing hammer.

Absoloutely. There is no reason at all to call a repair guy. Replacing the thermostat will fix the problem, guaranteed. If that doesn't do it, get the next model fancier thermostat.

On the other hand, there is a lot you didn't ask, and a lot I didn't write.

NO

The only true statement I think I have ever heard you make...

I assume the thermostat you are talking about here is the upstairs one for the upstairs zone.

Are you talking about a different downstairs thermostat now? Do you have any heat in this (downstairs) zone? Are you saying that no matter how high you turn up the thermostat, the heat fails to turn on? Did you have any problems with heat balance in similar weather in other years?

If you are reasonably handy and can afford to take your time, by all means try to diagnose the problem yourself first. However, you have not given nearly enough information to determine whether or not the thermostat is even an issue -- however, thermostats themselves are pretty reliable (unless you forget to change the batteries or get hit by lightening)

now blueman is giving HVAC advice. I find that very amusing

thermostat you are talking about here is the upstairs one

Smurf: The wannabe hvac tech. Forget it dude. You dont have a clue. You must have really been burnt good for an expensive filter change from us. Hahahaha Bubba

Write even less and STFU...

Yes, if you like spending money on useless parts.

Notice, he did say "crooks", that doesn't include "all" HVAC Companies.

And "A LOT" that Chris doesn't understand. LOL

After reading your dibble in this post, you really are CLUELESS!

Okay, now that you've been run past the gauntlet...

So many "zoned heat" systems out there that your post above is all but meaningless for lack of more specific info.

Now, with that said, ( and since you apparently have at least two thermostats ) and appears concievable that maybe that the downstairs thermostat is faulty--then suggest take it loose from the wall and then jumper the R to the W*** ( and G ( if available ) terminal(s) together--which should open up any dampers, valves whatever...as well as cause an eventual fire up of the primary heat source.

If that seems to work, then definately your downstairs thermostat is defective.

DUH!

You could try a fiber furnace, All you need is a handful of wood and a match.

Kenny I thought you had more brains than to continously feed this troll.

Do yourself and us a favor and put him in your killfile and ignore the clueless f*ck.

Sometimes, I like to point out the obvious.

But, I try not to make it a habit. :-)