What is HVAC Zoning and What's In It for Me?

Posted: 2020-09-17

Energy efficiency is a popular term in HVAC technology these days. In recent years, we have seen manufacturers build energy-efficient HVAC systems packed with features that were never found in older systems.

Zoned HVAC systems, in particular, are experiencing a steady growth in popularity because of their ability to provide the heating or cooling demands of a home in the most efficient ways.

Four Seasons Air Specialists is your trusted HVAC company in White Bear Lake MN. We can help you ensure every room in your home keeps up with your families comfort demands.

Understanding Zoned HVAC Systems

HVAC zoning is a technology that allows you to have a thermostat for each area or 'zone' in your home. This gives you the power to personalize the temperature in each room and provide the comfort needs of everyone in your family.

An HVAC zoning system is a heating and cooling system that regulates and redirects air to specific areas of the home. It uses dampers in the ductwork to control and reroute air to different rooms. This system creates individual temperature zones throughout the house, giving you unprecedented comfort and energy-efficiency. 

A zoning system uses a control panel and advanced computer processors to monitor thermostats, the HVAC equipment, and the dampers. With HVAC zoning, you can program the temperature according to on the room's draft and your family's comfort needs, which a single thermostat cannot provide.

Your home's heating and cooling can be drastically affected by its overall exposure to the sun. When the sun moves, the sections of the house that are exposed to the sun get warmer while the other parts remain cooler. Also, the number, placement and size of your windows can affect the comfort in your home. 

Who Should Consider HVAC Zoning?

Zoned HVAC systems are commonly installed in larger homes with varying temperature needs.

New Construction

Brand-new houses are the easiest to HVAC zone since the system can be integrated into the building blueprint. Contrarily, zoning an existing home may require more work to make adjustments to the existing ductwork.

Homes with More than One Floor

These types of homes will significantly benefit from HVAC zoning since temperatures usually change from the lower rooms to the upper rooms. Since heat naturally rises, the upper rooms are considerably warmer than the other rooms. Zoning fixes this problem as it allows you to control the temperature on both floors, giving you greater comfort wherever you are in your home.

Infrequently-Occupied Rooms

A guest room, basement, garage or study are some of the areas in larger homes that are not often used. It is impractical to heat or cool these sections when no one is using them. That's a problem you would have to deal with a central air system. On the other hand, HVAC zoning gives you full control over the heating or cooling in these rooms.

Benefits of HVAC Zoned Systems

Better Indoor Air Quality

Central air is notorious for circulating airborne contaminants from one place to another. Meanwhile, zoning eliminates this problem because it doesn't require ducts, lowering the buildup and circulation of dust, dirt, pollen, pet dander and mold. It significantly improves the quality of your indoor air and reduces your risk of developing or aggravating respiratory diseases. If you have family members who have asthma and allergies, eye irritation, skin rashes, and other respiratory ailments, investing in a zoned HVAC system is a step toward better health for them.

Lower HVAC Costs

Since you no longer waste energy on unused rooms, you will notice a significant reduction in your fuel and electricity expenses.

Longer System Lifespan

With a zoned HVAC system, your furnace and air conditioner won't have to work as hard to perform their tasks. Only specific areas that are occupied will receive forced air. It extends the life of your HVAC systems and saves you some cash in the process.

Contact the HVAC Zoning Gurus

Are you considering HVAC zoning your home? Look no further. Four Seasons Air Specialists will meet your expectations, thanks to our teams of seasoned and NATE-certified HVAC professionals. We are your reliable Dellwood heating and air conditioning company.