Get Even More Control of Your Comfort With a Zoned HVAC System
In this post, we introduce you to the zoned HVAC system and give you a few options to consider when replacing your A/C unit. Read on!
Now or later this summer you may be in need of an entirely new A/C unit for your home. Sadly, I can’t tell you when. If I was that good at fortune telling, I’d have thrown down my life savings on Leicester City to win the Premiere League. But if your number does end up getting called this year, we do hope you’ll give our number a call.
One of the tenets of our Heart of Homesense is to Present Options. When you’re in a situation of duress, the last thing you want to do is choose the first and only solution you’re provided. That’s why when someone new calls, we love to have the opportunity to walk you through all the options available for your house—from the high-efficiency units that save you on long term operating cost to the most budget friendly solution that may better fit your needs today.
And in that conversation, one option you might consider is zoning your heating and air conditioning system.
What is a Zoned HVAC System?
Chances are, not every room in your house offers the same level of comfort as the other rooms. For example, you’ll find some rooms upstairs are hotter during the summer months than the ones downstairs. Or one side of your house may be more exposed to the sun, and therefore be much warmer than other sides of your house. Or you may actually want some rooms to be cooler or warmer than other rooms in your house.
A zoned system is actually pretty straightforward: However many zones your home needs, there would be a thermostat or temperature sensor in that space. Those thermostats are connected to a zone control, which then is wired to motorized dampers monitor within your ductwork that will open or close, depending on the temperature that’s required in the given space.
Ask This Old House offers a great video describing the process. Click the thumbnail to watch.
Why Might You Consider Zoned HVAC System?
While it can be more expensive to install this system into your house, during a whole home air conditioning installation might be the right time you, as it has been for some of our homeowners. Here are a couple reasons why:
1. Enhanced climate control.
By individually setting and managing the temperature in specific zones, you’ll be able to experience greater comfort throughout your whole house.
2. Reduced energy costs.
While it can cost more up front to install, your system won’t work overtime to cool zones it can’t reach and serve well. By redirecting air to the zones that need it most, these areas will reach optimal temperature faster—allowing your system to shut down more often.
At your next service call or maintenance appointment, ask us if zone dampers might be an option for you house.
