Do you feel like you’re paying too much in energy costs when temperatures start to soar? It’s possible that you’re not using an HVAC system that’s optimal for your home. If you’ve never considered home air conditioning zoning — or if you’re just starting to explore the potential use of such a system — there are some key advantages you should look into. Of course, there are also some alternatives to zoning that might be more suitable for your unique situation.

Here’s a look at home air conditioning zoning and what it could mean for your family’s comfort (and budget):

What is Home Air Conditioning Zoning?

HVAC zoning utilizes dampers in the ductwork to regulate air in specific areas of your home. That means you don’t have to use window units in different rooms, nor do you need to set your entire central air system to one temperature for the entire house. In other words, it’s a happy medium between too much and too little in the world of creature comforts.

Zoning enables you to set your thermostat to various settings for different areas of your home, allowing you to cool off upper levels that may get hotter than others or keep certain rooms warmer than the rest of the house if some family members tend to get chilly easily.

Benefits of Home Air Conditioning Zoning

Being able to create customized temperature zones throughout your home comes with many benefits, including:

• Increased Efficiency. Zoning keeps your HVAC system from being overworked because it’s not being forced to constantly try to keep one even temperature throughout your house. The less your air conditioner has to work, the lower your energy bills will be. In fact, zoning can save you up to 25% on your monthly energy bills.
• Enhanced Comfort. You an easily accommodate family members who have different comfort levels or cool down areas of your home that tend to get inordinately warm without disrupting the temperature in the rest of the house.
• Reduction of Normal Wear & Tear. When you’re not overworking your HVAC system, its components will last longer. You’ll enjoy the benefits of replacing parts less frequently and spending fewer dollars as time goes by. 

Alternatives to Home Air Conditioning Zoning

If you have areas of your home that insist on being hotter than the rest of the house, but you’re not interested in zoning your HVAC system, there are some alternatives you might consider.

• Portable Air Conditioners. Portable air conditioners are an okay option if you only have one or two rooms that stay exceptionally hot. It’s best to turn them on only when you’re in that room (for example, just before you go to sleep if your bedrooms are the culprit) because they can zap energy and increase your monthly electric bill.
• Mini-Split Air Conditioners. These appliances are hybrids of window units and central AC. They’re quiet, compact and great for situations where only a room or two need special cooling attention.

If you’re interested in learning how home air conditioning zoning could benefit your household, our team at Efficient Climate Control Air Conditioning & Heating would love to show you the way. With more than 30 years serving The Woodlands area and surrounding communities, we’re proud to say we know how to keep Texans cool! Reach out to us to schedule a consultation today!