basement stairs effect on heating costs

[Cyrckis]

I just moved into my first house with a basement. There is a stairway with no door at the top. Will this effect my heating/cooling costs? Should i install a door? (This is my first time with central AC also.) The basement ceiling is just bare studs. Should i insulate? House was built in '61.

[Hube]

Its best to have a door installed on that opening.
When in the cooling mode ,most of your nice cool air is falling into the basement level (via the opening) instead of remaining on the upper level
In the heating mode, any heat that is in the basement will rise up into the upper level (via the opening)instead of warming the basement level.
Whether to insulate the basement area or not depends on what activity your using it for .Normally, a basement will remain cooler (even without a/c) than the other upper areas of the house. If your going to use this basement for recreational purposes, it would be to your advantage to insulate,etc.
Make sure you install proper Supply and Return airs in this basement area ,especially for the heating season. Good luck Hube

[imeduc]

With Hube here you need a door there for sure . You dont say if the furnace and AC are in the basement there. we always cut in a registeror or two in the duct work down there for some heat and AC to get out there in the basement. helps warm the floors and dry the basementon AC.

ED

My mistakes dont define me they inform me.