How to Fix Uneven Temperatures: A Guide to Zoned HVAC Systems

The Battle of the Floors: Identifying the Issue

You’re shivering in your downstairs living room, so you crank up the heat. Before long, your upstairs bedrooms are transformed into saunas. Meanwhile, coastal winds mean that your west-facing room is freezing while your kitchen is boiling hot.

When you overheat or overcool different parts of your home, it’s not just a comfort issue. It also leads to added energy costs and unnecessary work for your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. By investing in zoned heating and cooling, you can ensure even temperatures throughout your home.

Searching for a mini-split AC installation near you? Get a free estimate from our licensed HVAC technicians.

Why Uneven Temperature Happens

Uneven temperatures in your house stem from how hot air naturally moves. There is a “stack effect” where warm air rises and drives airflow. As a result, upstairs rooms tend to be hotter than downstairs rooms.

Additional climate factors in Bandon are in play as well. West-facing rooms face the ocean and cold winds, making them chillier than the rest of your home. Meanwhile, added sunshine in southern and eastern rooms means that these areas tend to be warmer.

Making all of these factors more challenging is the fact that most homes have just one thermostat. This thermostat is sensing the temperature in one location of your home, so it doesn’t know that there’s a 15℉ difference between your home’s hottest and coldest rooms.

The Uneven Temperature Solution: What Is Zoned Heating?

The solution to this is zoned heating and cooling. Zoned systems allow you to control temperature in individual zones independently. Your upstairs office can have the AC on, and your downstairs living room can be set to “heat” mode. Just like light switches, these systems can be turned off and on individually.

Method 1: Ductless Mini-Splits (The Retrofit King)

If you don’t have existing ductwork, it’s time to start searching for mini-split AC installations near you. These energy-efficient systems involve setting up separate units in each zone. Then, each room or zone gets its own remote for individualized temperature control.

Method 2: Central System Zoning

If you already have a central AC installation and ductwork, you’ll want to use this method to convert your residential AC installation into a zoned system. With this option, an AC installation contractor will install motorized dampers inside your ductwork. Then, the dampers open or close to direct conditioned air to each individual zone based on the zone’s temperature settings.

Benefits of Zoning Your Bandon Home

By getting a new AC installation and zoning, you can enjoy a number of important benefits.

• Personalized Comfort: When Mom prefers the temperature at 72℉ and Dad wants the thermostat at a cool 65℉, the easiest way to keep the peace is through a zoned heating and cooling system.
• Energy Savings: If you’re heating and cooling empty rooms, you’re likely wasting money on energy costs. Switching to a zoned system means you only have to heat and cool rooms you’re actually in.
• Extended Equipment Life: When your HVAC system is able to run less, it experiences less wear and tear. Besides reducing the likelihood of HVAC repairs, this can also extend the lifespan of your equipment.

Is My System Broken?

Sometimes, people think that uneven heat is a sign that a home AC repair is needed. Before you schedule emergency AC repairs or heating maintenance, try troubleshooting a few common issues first.

• Check Your Vents: To troubleshoot airflow and temperature issues, start by making sure your vents are open and not blocked.
• Inspect Your Insulation: If there is poor insulation in your attic, it can make the summertime heat and wintertime cold more intense.

If your vents and insulation are in good shape, then the problem is likely the way your system is designed. By updating your AC installation, you can ensure even temperatures throughout your home.

Why Alpha Heating & Air Recommends Ductless for Zoning

At Alpha Heating & Air, we recommend using ductless systems for your zoning needs for a few main reasons.

• Flexibility: By adding a ductless unit to your upstairs “problem room,” you can enjoy the power and energy efficiency of a downstairs furnace and individualized control of your upstairs ductless unit.
• Installation Speed: Redoing ductwork can take a while. By using a ductless system instead, you can reduce the amount of time it takes to upgrade your HVAC system.
• Efficiency: Ductless units offer some of the highest SEER ratings available, ensuring you spend less on your monthly energy bills.

Frequently Asked Questions: Fixing Uneven Temperatures

Can I just close the vents in the rooms I don’t use?

No, you should never shut vents in rooms you aren’t using. This can increase the pressure in your system and end up damaging your blower motor. Eventually, you’ll have to spend additional money on unnecessary AC repair calls.

How much does it cost to zone a house?

It really depends on the size of the house and how many zones will be installed. When we come out for your initial consultation, we will give you a full estimate of how much you can expect your ductless mini-splits to cost.

Will a zoning system help with humidity, too?

Absolutely. Ductless mini-splits are known for helping with indoor humidity levels and improving your family’s overall comfort.

Stop the Thermostat Wars Today

People often assume that uneven performance means heating and cooling repairs are necessary, but this isn’t always the case. If you have hot and cold spots, you may need an HVAC upgrade. With zoned systems, you can gain individualized temperature control, improved energy efficiency, and better comfort.

Looking for a mini-split AC installation near you? Reach out to our HVAC experts for a professional AC consultation in Portland today.