Had a similar experience when we moved into our place. Thought zoning would solve the uneven temps between floors, but it ended up being more hassle than help. Spent weeks adjusting dampers, vents, and even tried insulating ducts better. Eventually realized simpler fixes—like strategic vent adjustments and a couple of well-placed fans—worked way better. Lesson learned: sometimes less really is more...
Funny you mention zoning—I see this all the time. People think it's the silver bullet, but honestly, it's hit or miss. Before diving into zoning, I usually suggest clients first check airflow basics: Are vents clear? Filters clean? Ductwork sealed up tight? Sometimes just tweaking vent openings upstairs vs downstairs can balance things out surprisingly well. And yeah, a strategically placed fan or two can be a lifesaver... HVAC doesn't always have to be rocket science, thankfully.
I've had similar experiences with zoning—sometimes it works wonders, other times it's just an expensive headache. Reminds me of when I spent days troubleshooting uneven cooling upstairs, only to discover the return vent was half-blocked by furniture my kids had rearranged. Felt pretty silly after that one. Curious though, anyone here ever tried those booster fans you install right into the ducts? I've heard mixed things, wondering if they're worth the hassle or just another gimmick...
I've installed those duct booster fans a few times during flips and renos, and honestly, they're hit or miss. If your ducts are undersized or poorly laid out, adding a booster won't magically fix the problem—it might just push air around louder without really improving comfort. But if your ducts are decent and you just need a small boost to a specific room, they can help a bit. Just don't expect miracles...and definitely check the basics first (like furniture blocking vents—been there myself, haha).
Totally agree—duct boosters aren't a silver bullet. I've seen folks toss them in hoping to fix deeper issues like undersized returns or leaky ductwork, and it rarely pans out. Honestly, sealing ducts properly and adding insulation around them usually makes a bigger difference (and saves energy too). Boosters can help tweak airflow slightly, but they're more of a band-aid than a real solution. Better to tackle the root cause first...even if it's a bit more work upfront.
