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Yes, HVAC zoning is generally considered worth the investment by both experts and homeowners. Zoned systems offer significant benefits in convenience, efficiency, and comfort by allowing you to set different temperatures for various rooms or 'zones' in your house. This ability to heat and cool only the spaces you're using leads to energy savings and lower utility bills. Zoned systems are especially effective in multi-level homes that experience temperature fluctuations, but even smaller homes can benefit from the ability to adjust temperatures more quickly. While the up-front installation cost can be high, many find it's a worthwhile long-term investment, particularly for those who plan to stay in their home for a while.

The cost to install a ductless mini-split AC system ranges from $2,000 to $14,000, depending on the type of unit, the number of zones or rooms, and the complexity of the installation. On the low end, a system for one or two zones in a single room costs around $2,000. Covering two zones for more rooms can cost between $6,000 and $8,000. For a larger multi-zone system to cover an entire home, costs can be $14,000. If you don’t already have an AC system in place, you may need to add the cost of permits, an electrician, and a concrete pad.

Set your house temperature between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit while on vacation, depending on the season. If it’s winter, don’t go below 55 degrees. In the summer, the best AC temperature for energy savings is no higher than 85 degrees. You can save anywhere from 10% to 15% on your energy costs by adjusting the temperature while you’re away. If you have a smart thermostat, set up vacation modes for each season. On your way home, turn off vacation mode to allow the home to warm up or cool down before you arrive.

While all portable AC units will collect moisture as part of their cooling and dehumidifying process, whether and how often you need to drain them depends on what kind of unit you have and the natural humidity levels where you live. For example, if you live in a very dry area and have a self-evaporating unit, you may not need to drain your portable AC very often at all. Some units may automatically drain collected moisture out the window through their exhaust vent.