Is there a room in your home that always feels freezing or sweltering? Do you and your family frequently disagree about how to set the thermostat? Zoning systems allow you to accommodate everyone’s comfort needs while saving you money on your energy bills. By installing dampers that redirect air to specific rooms, our award-winning crew can create customized temperature zones throughout your home.
Instead of setting one temperature for your entire house, zoning systems let you create different temperature-controlled zones, so you don’t waste energy overheating or overcooling other areas. When paired with programmable thermostats, zoning can be even more convenient and affordable.
How Do HVAC Zoning Systems Work?
While most houses only have one centrally located thermostat, zoned systems use several thermostats that allow you to adjust individual temperatures throughout your living spaces. HVAC zoning relies on a series of dampers that can open or close as needed to deliver airflow to each part of your home. To save money and energy, you can close the dampers in rooms you aren’t using.
Since zoned HVAC systems can be complex, you need to hire a professional, licensed company to install one. Amateur DIY HVAC work can be dangerous and add to the total project cost if you lack the correct tools and equipment to do the job right.
HVAC systems offer several benefits for your home and your bank account.
- Better energy efficiency: A zoned system diverts air away from areas that don’t need it, so you use less energy to keep your home comfortable. Zoning is more efficient than closing the air vents in various rooms because the dampers provide a better seal.
- Restored household harmony: If you always feel hot while your family members huddle under blankets, a zoned HVAC system can solve this problem by letting people adjust temperatures in different rooms according to their preference.
- Consistent temperatures: A zoned HVAC installation will meet your heating and cooling needs by compensating for hot and cold spots throughout your home.
Types of HVAC Zoning Systems
By fully or partially opening and shutting dampers, you can control the amount of heated or cooled air flowing to a specific room or area of your house. Zoning is ideal for times when you don’t need whole-house temperature control – for example, if you’re sleeping upstairs and don’t want to pay to condition the downstairs air overnight.
There are three kinds of HVAC zoning systems.
- Manual: As its name suggests, a manual HVAC system is one you operate by opening and closing dampers by hand.
- Programmable: Combining zoning with programmable thermostats can decrease your energy bills by allowing you to set an optimal temperature for each zone and letting the thermostats adjust for you. Dampers will automatically open and close based on the separate temperature setting you’ve specified.
- Smart: A smart HVAC system regulates the temperature of each part of the house based on demand. Sensors detect the presence of people or pets in a room, while thermostats read the temperature and fine-tune accordingly. You can also control your smart HVAC through your smartphone, even when you’re away from home.
Advantages of HVAC Zoning Systems
Is HVAC zoning worth it? Consider these potential benefits.
- Energy efficiency and cost savings: If you’re looking for a way to save money while reducing your carbon footprint, zoned HVAC may be a perfect fit for you. The Department of Energy estimates people with zoned HVAC save an average of 30% on their energy bills.
- Comfort control: HVAC zoning allows you to adjust the settings in each room to your family’s specific preferences. For instance, you might want to keep your living room and bedroom a few degrees warmer than your home gym.
- Increased HVAC longevity: A zoning system can reduce wear and tear on your HVAC system, leading to fewer repairs and a longer life.
- Customized heating and cooling: If you have rooms you rarely use, a zoning system lets you shut off the HVAC in these spaces without affecting the comfort level in rooms you use daily.
Considerations and Limitations
A zoned HVAC system is compatible with any home that has existing ductwork. Still, this solution isn’t ideal for everyone. Zoned heating and cooling works best in larger houses with ample space. Some families benefit from zoning more than others because their home’s layout naturally leads to varying temperatures.
Homes with the following characteristics can maximize HVAC zoning.
- Two or more stories
- A basement
- A living space in your attic or over your garage
- High ceilings
- A sunroom
- Several large windows
- A large floor plan with two or more wings
Adding a zoned HVAC system to your home is a complex project that requires professional installation. To maintain the desired temperature in each room, your ductwork must be the proper size and design. If you have incorrectly sized and connected ductwork, you’ll need to replace it, which can significantly increase the total project cost. An experienced HVAC technician can help you determine if the benefits justify this additional expense.
Is Zoned HVAC Installation Right for Your Home?
Zoning can simultaneously solve multiple issues with your indoor air comfort, but not every home is a good candidate. The best way to learn about the benefits and possible downsides of zoned HVAC is to schedule a consultation with a knowledgeable contractor.
At Above & Beyond Services, we offer customers in our service area a 100% satisfaction guarantee on installation, repairs and preventive maintenance. We’ve earned over 150 five-star reviews and maintain an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau – hallmarks of our ability to tackle any job, no matter how challenging. Contact us 24/7 to request your free estimate.
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