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What is a Zoning System for HVAC?

In most homes there is always that one room, area, or entire floor that is always warmer or colder than the others.  If you are like me then this problem absolutely drives you nuts!  There can be many different reasons for this to occur. For one, heat rises, so rooms on second or third floors are often too warm while basement rooms are typically too cold. Rooms with vaulted ceilings have a difficult time retaining heat, while rooms that receive a lot of sunlight are often difficult to keep cool.  Regardless of why a certain area is uncomfortable, there is only one surefire way to even out your home’s temperature: proper system zoning.

System zoning is pretty simple. It involves multiple thermostats that are wired to a control panel.  Each thermostat is constantly reading the temperature of their specific zone.  These thermostats then open or close dampers within the duct work of your forced-air system bringing that specific zone to its optimal temperature according to the thermostat’s settings. Not only is system zoning helpful for houses with inconsistent room temperatures, but it's also great for heating or cooling individual bedrooms based on the desired temperature setting. 

Many homeowners are hesitant or unwilling to make the transition to programmable thermostats and system zoning because of the initial cost of installation. This is an understandable concern for anyone who's not building a new home or replacing an old HVAC system, but simply by switching you can save more money on your energy bills and be more comfortable in the long run. According to the US Department of Energy, system zoning can save homeowners up to 30 percent on a typical heating and cooling bill. Those savings can add up to quite a sum -- the Department of Energy also estimates that heating and cooling account for 40 percent of the average household's utility costs. Because guest rooms and other seldom-used rooms don't require constant heating or cooling, system zoning allows you to save money by running temperature-controlled air to those rooms only when it is necessary.

So when is the best time to install a zoning system?  If you are replacing your furnace, air conditioner or heat pump, it is an excellent time to install a zoning system. When your new comfort equipment is matched with a zoning system, you will have precise control in each zone. Zoning is also excellent for new homes since it is installed during construction. If you are buying a new home, check with your builder about a zoning system. It could make the difference between just enjoying your new house and being truly comfortable in it.

Today’s families all have different lifestyles and comfort needs. Maybe you have a home office that needs extra conditioning during the day and none at night. Or you only use the upstairs or back bedrooms when guests visit. Whatever your needs, zoning can keep each area of your house at the perfect temperature for you and each of your family members…and being truly comfortable is what it is all about.