Zoned HVAC System

Is it a never-ending battle among the people in your home over the “right” temperature to set on the thermostat? Does your house constantly feel like it has a different temperature in each room? If this sounds like your household, a zoned heating and air conditioning system could be the answer to your temperature roller coaster.

A zoned HVAC system divides your house into several zones, each with its own thermostat. Instead of having to heat or cool the entire house to a single temperature, you may now control each room separately. A zoned HVAC system delivers more control over your indoor comfort, provide energy savings and, finally, does away with the daily family arguments over how hot or cold the house should be.

Explaining HVAC Zoning

It takes a lot of energy to heat and cool an entire home. But what if you could control which rooms receive warm or cool air? You'd have a setup that not only allowed you to be more selective in the way your home is heated, but also potentially saved you money on your utility bills. Zoned HVAC can leverage your central air conditioning system or ductless air conditioners to allow you to control the temperature in each part of your home.

Zoning can be accomplished in different ways. For example, you can install multiple comfort systems and invest in supplemental heating sources such as space heaters or gas fireplaces. You can also achieve the same result using a single zoned HVAC system. You can even add zoning to your existing HVAC system.

• In a zoned HVAC system, each room or zone has its own damper and thermostat wired to a central control panel.
• Each thermostat can demand warm or cool air depending on its setting.
• Decentralized control means you don't have to heat or cool your entire home just to make sure one or two areas are comfortable—and that means lower utility bills.
• Fewer cycles mean your heating and cooling system will likely last much longer and need less maintenance.

When Does Installing HVAC Zoning Systems Make Sense?

There are certain types of homes that receive the most benefits from having an HVAC zoning system installed. There are always exceptions to the rules, but we see better energy efficiency and reduced energy bill costs when zoning systems are added to homes...

1. If you have a multi-story home

We all know warm air rises. An HVAC zoned system can help ensure that each floor is at the perfect temperature.

2. If you have a basement

Since warm air rises, cold air sinks to the lowest levels of your home. Whether finished or unfinished, basement HVAC zoning system can help keep it comfortable year-round.

3. If you have a living space in the attic

When homeowners look for adding living space to their home, they often look to a preexisting attic. With the attic sitting at the very top of your home, a ducted zoned HVAC system can help make it more comfortable to live in.

4. If your ceilings are high

High ceilings are stunning, but make for a great space for that heated or cooled air to escape to. Zoned HVAC systems can help prevent hot or cold spots from forming.

5. If you have a sunroom

Sunrooms really bring the outdoors inside with the windows surrounding you. However, this makes it easy for cool or warm air to escape leaving the space lacking its desired temperature. A zoned HVAC system can help keep it cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

6. If you have a room over your garage

Similar to the renovated attic space, the area over a detached garage makes for a great guest home. An HVAC zoning system can help keep it at a comfortable temperature.

How Many Zones Should I Plan For?

A zoned HVAC system is a great option for many homeowners. It allows you to customize your home's climate to best suit your needs. The short answer is you can plan for multiple zones, but think about how many separate zones you need.

The easiest approach to figure out how many zones you'll require in your house is to consult with an HVAC expert. If you discover that the temperature in your home varies significantly between floors, one zone per floor may be ideal for you. Alternatively, you may create separate zones for various parts of your house or even individual rooms.

How Heating and Air Conditioning Zone Controls Work

All you have to do with a zoned HVAC system is adjust the temperature control in each zone of your house. Beyond that, leave it up to your HVAC system. Temperature management on each zone control panel is based on personal preferences.

If you'd want to set your temperature at a lower level when you go to sleep, but still have your coffee in a warm kitchen in the morning, you may program your upper floor temperature to be lower than the one on the ground floor. Once you adjust the thermostat to a new setting, your heating and air conditioning zoned system will take care of the rest. You may also alter the temperature in each zone at any time with thermostat controls based on your personal preferences.

Tired of Hot and Cold Spots? Let ARS/Rescue Rooter Help

If you think a zoned HVAC system could be the perfect solution for your unique heating and cooling needs—and you're ready to learn more about the benefits of this kind of setup—it's time to talk to the experts at ARS/Rescue Rooter. We're here to guide you through your options and let you know how we can help. After all, your comfort is always our top priority.

Call us now at 866-399-2885 or find your nearest ARS/Rescue Rooter location to schedule a no-cost analysis of the benefits and savings of adding an HVAC zoning system.