How does an HVAC zoning system solve the issue of a hot upstairs?

The different levels of your two-story home have different heating and cooling needs. But your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system might not be designed to accommodate those variations. Tiger Services can help you achieve the right level of control and comfort with an HVAC zoning system — also called an HVAC zone damper.

Why do HVAC zone dampers make such a big difference in San Antonio homes?

Summers get hot in San Antonio, especially in the upstairs rooms in your home. Since it’s hard to stop all the heat from rising to the top floor, your only option is to crank up the air conditioning.

However, your existing HVAC system simply can’t keep that area of your home cool. Homebuilders often install just one AC system in even the largest two-story houses. Unfortunately, since the cool air sinks and the heat keeps rising, you’re left with chilly lower levels while the upper rooms remain unbearable.

In the winter, you’ll be using the heat instead — but you’re still left with a different temperature upstairs and downstairs. In an effort to keep the lower levels nice and warm, the upper rooms can easily become warmer than you want.

If you think it’s unfair to be hot and uncomfortable upstairs during the summer and winter, well, you’re not wrong! But that’s what happens with poorly designed duct work and a basic heating and cooling system that isn’t suited to the climate you’re in.

A zoned HVAC system design is the ideal “hot upstairs” solution in San Antonio. A zoned air conditioning system lets you send more cool air upstairs where you need it in the summer and less heat during the winter when those rooms are already warm enough.

What can homeowners do about hot spots in the house?

If you’re noticing hot spots in different areas around your home, here’s a smart way to troubleshoot:

• Book an HVAC tune-up to make sure your system is working properly.
• Schedule a ductwork inspection to see if your home has deteriorating or badly designed air ducts.
• If the HVAC system and air ducts appear to be in good condition, installing an air conditioning zoning system could be the right choice.

Keep in mind that you may or may not be able to add zoning to an existing HVAC system — and not all homes can accommodate zoning. Depending on your home’s construction, you might need to consider an alternative solution like a ductless HVAC system. But, when you partner with a trusted HVAC service provider, they’ll make sure you choose the right solution.

How does an HVAC zoning system work?

Imagine if, any time you turned on a light switch, every electrical device in your home came on. Or, if you turned on the water to wash your hands and every faucet, tub and shower started running. That would be absurd! But it’s essentially what happens without HVAC system zoning. When you need to heat or cool one room, the entire house gets blasted with air — and you’re never really comfortable.

An HVAC zoning system turns hot and cold air flow into something you can control, like your plumbing or electricity. Your home is separated into different zones that can each be controlled separately.

But it’s not so complicated that you’d have a different thermostat in each room. Instead, most homeowners find that two zones — upstairs and downstairs — meet their needs perfectly. This way, when the kids are tucked into bed, you can keep the upstairs rooms comfortable without having to waste energy on the lower levels. No more heating or cooling your entire home when you don’t need to.

What are the benefits of an HVAC zoning system?

Once you get used to your new HVAC zoning system, you’ll start noticing a range of benefits, from its energy saving abilities to your enhanced level of comfort:

• Ability to control the climate in multiple zones around your home.
• Programmable thermostats you can set and forget on each floor.
• Heated or cooled air gets sent exactly where you want it.
• No longer dealing with the feeling of being too cold or too hot.
• Improved energy efficiency, resulting in a lower energy bill.

How much does a new zoned HVAC system cost?

Depending on your home’s specific needs, you can expect to pay between $5,200 to $9,500 to have a new zoned HVAC system installed.

When you consider that you’ll be able to heat or cool half the square footage at any given time, it’s clear that the cost and energy savings add up.

But, to many San Antonio homeowners, achieving the right level of comfort at home is priceless. Just imagine, being able to keep the bedrooms cool so your family can sleep soundly on a hot summer night. Or, finally having the ability to warm up that beautiful extension you haven’t been able to enjoy to its fullest.

Sick of hot spots? It’s time for tiger stripes

Contact Tiger Services today to find out how to make the switch from “too hot, too cold” to “just right.”