Zoning systems are one of the most effective ways to
save energy year-round, especially during peak hot and cold seasons. They put room-specific temperature control right into the hands of homeowners. Once a zoning system is programmed, home occupants can enjoy comfortable temperatures from room-to-room and floor-to-floor without ever having to adjust the thermostat.
How Zoning Systems Work
Consider a single zone system. The
thermostat is centrally located and the temperature in one, single location controls whether the HVAC system's heating or cooling cycles are activated throughout the entire house. However, architectural features like vaulted ceilings, multiple stories or west-facing windows create situations where the central thermostat experiences one temperature while other areas of the home are several degrees warmer or cooler.
With a zoning system, your home is divided into zones according to architectural features, occupancy and personal temperature preferences. A series of thoughtfully placed thermostats and dampers control conditioned airflow to these zones. More accurately controlled temperatures translate to improved indoor comfort and energy savings.
Types of Home Features That May Benefit
Certain architectural features create hot and cold pockets in a home. These include basements, open floor plans, vaulted ceilings and large expanses of windows, particularly on south- or west-facing walls. If your home includes any of these features, a zone system can ensure your home maintains more consistent temperatures from room to room.
You may want to consider zoning systems if you have a guest room or areas of the house that are largely unoccupied so they aren't heated/cooled unnecessarily. Zones can be room specific, keeping a master bedroom or nursery at separate temperatures.
There are several benefits of using a zoning system in your home, ranging from improved interior comfort to reduced wear-and-tear on the HVAC system. Energy savings are another benefit and customers who install zoned systems can save as much as 30 percent on heating and cooling costs.
To learn more about zoning systems or to find a licensed HVAC contractor in your area, visit
AirConditioningSoutheast.com.
