Is there a room you designate in your home as the "cold room?" No matter what your thermostat setting, this room always seems to feel cooler than the rest of your home. And is the opposite true during the summer months – a room that is hotter than the rest of the house?

If you're wary of constantly adjusting the thermostat to make different rooms feel comfortable, take heart: temperature variations are common, especially in older homes, which may have thin walls or poor insulation.

What Causes Temperature Variations?

Several factors contribute to the balance of temperature in a home. First, consider the room's location. Is it far from your furnace or cooling system? If yes, it may not receive as much airflow.

Be sure to check your windows and doors, as you might inadvertently be allowing cold air to sneak in. If you feel air blowing in, consider caulking any gaps or replacing worn weather-stripping. You might also consider investing in energy-efficient windows to help regulate indoor temperature.

Room size also matters, as it becomes more difficult to balance temperature in larger rooms. If your room faces the sun most of the day, it's probably warmer than other rooms in your home. Open the shades or curtains to let in the sun's warmth during the winter months. During the summer, install sunscreens or close the blinds to better control the room's temperature. 

Homeowners with multi-level homes have probably noticed a warmer temperature upstairs than downstairs. Since heat rises, a significant temperature difference often exists between levels. Downstairs can sometimes feel 8-10 degrees cooler than upstairs.

If you don't already have one, consider getting a programmable thermostat, like an iComfort^® smart thermostat from Lennox, which helps effectively distribute air throughout your home. 

How Can I Keep My Home Comfortable?

If it seems that someone in your family is constantly fidgeting with the thermostat or certain rooms in your home are difficult to maintain a comfortable temperature, check out the new iHarmony^® zoning system. You can use it to control up to four temperature zones in your home, making it easier than ever to create a just-right environment throughout your home.

Want to redirect heat to the living room for family movie night? Or want to make the kitchen cooler while you prepare a feast? Used in combination with Lennox^® equipment, the iHarmony zoning system allows you to redirect airflow to specific areas of your home as needed.

You can experience a consistent home temperature from room to room, and everyone in the family can enjoy individualized temperature control in their part of the home. Homeowners can even save up to 35 percent on energy costs when they zone their home with a programmable thermostat.

Talk to your Lennox^® dealer to find out more about enjoying ultimate comfort and control in your home with the iHarmony zoning system.