A zoned HVAC system is an advanced type of heating and cooling system that allows for greater control over the temperature in each room or area of a property. It does this by dividing the space into individual ‘zones,’ with one thermostat controlling each zone independently. This means users can set different temperatures in different rooms, allowing them to create a more comfortable living environment while also saving energy and money on their utility bills.
Zoned systems use dampers and zoning panels to control the temperature in various areas. Dampers are placed inside your ductwork at regular intervals throughout the house and open and close depending on where the air is needed. Meanwhile, zoning panels allow you to adjust settings for each zone’s temperature individually from one central location. Zoning panels are usually near the furnace or air conditioner itself so as not to disrupt other zones when making changes. HVAC zoning is a great way to ensure that each room in your home has the perfect temperature. Keep reading to learn more about what a zoned HVAC system is and how it can benefit you.
Improved Temperature Control
Improved temperature control is one of the key benefits of a zoned HVAC system. As discussed, this type of system allows the user to break up their home into different temperature zones, which can then be independently controlled with multiple thermostats. By using a zone-based system, homeowners can customize the temperature in each zone of their home to their exact needs. This is especially useful for multi-story homes with multiple living areas, as it allows the user to set different temperatures in different areas of their home.
For instance, in a two-story home, the top floor may feel hotter or colder than the lower level. As a result, it can be difficult to find an ideal temperature that works for both levels. Installing a zoned system could help solve that problem by allowing different temperature settings on various levels of the home. This helps ensure that each space is comfortable and accommodating. Being able to control the temperature in each zone of the home offers greater climate control and flexibility.
Better Energy Efficiency
With traditional HVAC systems, one thermostat controls the temperature of the entire house. As a result, the system will run until all areas of the home have reached the desired temperature. With a zoned system, however, there are multiple thermostats. This means that the temperature in each zone can be adjusted to meet the needs of the occupants in that area, reducing the need for energy usage in other zones that do not need cooling or heating. This results in improved energy efficiency as you are only cooling or heating the areas you need to and not wasting energy on unused space. Given that HVAC can account for as much as 12 percent of total energy expenditures in a home, a zoned system could be beneficial for homeowners looking to reduce their power bills.
Reduced System Strain
Not only does zoned HVAC give you improved comfort and convenience, but it can also help save you and prolong the life of your system. With independent thermostats for each zone, the HVAC system won’t have to work as hard to maintain a singular temperature throughout your home. Additionally, reducing the temperature in unused parts of the home also reduces the draw on the overall system, putting less stress on the unit and extending the life of the entire system.
Improved Indoor Air Quality
The air filters in your home do a good job of catching and trapping airborne particles and allergens. While the air flowing through an HVAC system is filtered, however, sometimes contaminants like lint, dust, pollen, or pet dander can escape through the filters and circulate back into the house. With zoning, the dampers that control the zoned HVAC system ensure that air is only diverted to the zone it’s intended for. As a result, these systems can help keep unwanted dirt and debris that escaped the filtration system from circulating throughout the entire house every time the HVAC system is turned on. This is particularly beneficial for those with allergies, chronic asthma, or other respiratory illnesses.
Overall, a zoned HVAC system offers numerous benefits for homeowners, including improved comfort, reduced energy costs, and more effective air quality control. Altogether, a zoned HVAC system can be beneficial for saving energy and money while providing superior comfort and air quality.
