Heating and Air Conditioning System Zoning Explained

Sometimes, a large living room will never feel warm enough during winter months, while a small bathroom will become stifling hot. Oftentimes, this is because these two very different rooms have the same amount of heat being pumped in through traditional ductwork. The innovation of zoning systems has solved this problem and made it easier for homeowners to adjust each room’s temperature according to room size, use levels or personal preference. This control will provide families with ultimate comfort and save them money.

Greater Comfort

Some like it hot while others prefer the cold. Parents generally want their home’s nursery to be warmer than the little-used guest bedroom. Traditional heating and air conditioning systems send equal amounts of air through ductwork and vents without any regard for comfort. For example, a large bedroom with a lot of windows will be harder to heat or cool than a small den with fewer windows. Likewise, a south-facing room may be warmer than a room located on the north side of the home. System zoning allows homeowners to control the temperature of each room independently depending on these various factors. Multiple thermostats are wired to a main control panel and operate dampers within the HVAC system’s ductwork.

Reduced Costs

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, system zoning can lower utility bills by as much as 30 percent. There is also a significant reduction in maintenance and repair costs because zoning systems reduce unnecessary wear and tear on the HVAC unit. While full system zoning was originally meant for new construction or during the installation of a new unit, a damper system that can be retrofitted was recently developed. These flex damper air control devices have no heavy motors, so existing ductwork does not have to be altered or supported. While it will cost about $2,500 to install a two-zone system in a two-story home, this initial price will soon be repaid in future savings.

Creating zones for your home’s heating and air conditioning will go a long way to making sure everyone is comfortable in every room. The use of programmable thermostats makes it possible to adjust each zone independently. Dampers will open and close ducts according to the thermostat settings, even if you are not home to do it yourself. What is even more comforting is the fact that you will save money on utility bills, repairs, and maintenance.