Zoned HVAC systems are a way to set different temperatures for different sections of a building. At Elite Climate Control, we offer zoning options for commercial buildings, large family homes, and more.
Different Zones
When an HVAC is divided into “zones,” this really means separating your house into different sections that your air conditioning system can treat in different ways. Each zone can then be set to specific temperatures different from the other zones, effectively giving you several different climates inside your house. Depending on the situation, you can have anywhere from two to a dozen zones. Some zone systems are used in average residential homes. Some are used in larger houses with more distinct sections. Others are used in apartments or in commercial HVAC for different office sections.
Zoning can work in several different ways. Sometimes it uses only one more complex thermostat that allows you to set all the temperatures from one area. Sometimes it provides a separate thermostat for each zone for more individualized control. However, cooling is still usually managed by one centralized system.
Zone Advantages
Zoning offers a lot when it comes to convenience. Sometimes it’s just handy to have different settings for different areas of the home or building, especially if people’s preferences are vastly different or more than one family are living in the house. However, zoned HVAC also provides a variety of other, more tangible benefits. For example, you can use zoning in larger houses to keep one part of the house, such as the upstairs rooms, relatively warm in the summer. Meanwhile, the downstairs rooms are left cooler until it is time for bed, thus saving money by only cooling part of the house instead of all of it, especially rooms you don’t use.
This also helps save money on wear and tear and ductwork damage since, when appropriately used, a zoned HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard, and maintenance is easier. These systems are also particularly useful when it comes to homes that have recently been renovated. For example, a new addition, attic or finished room in the basement may have particular heating and cooling needs that a zone system can address.
Zoning Considerations
Zoning often uses dampers installed in the ductwork when renovating old systems, so a certain amount of installation work will be necessary even if you aren’t buying a new HVAC system. Keep in mind that certain types of zoning options will cost more than other options, especially if you choose multiple thermostats. For more information, contact Elite Climate Control.
