Zoning has become increasingly common with residential heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) systems. Whether your home has a conventional HVAC system consisting of an AC system and a furnace, or if it has a dual-purpose heat pump, you may want to get it zoned. Zoning offers several benefits that make it a smart investment.
The Basics of HVAC Zoning
HVAC zoning is the process of splitting up your home into multiple heating and cooling areas. These areas are known as zones. With a zoned HVAC system, you can control the temperature of each zone separately from the other zones.
You’ll still have a single HVAC system – even if it’s zoned. Zoning simply requires the use of dampers within the ductwork. Dampers are installed in your home’s ductwork, these dampers work in conjunction with the various thermostats.
If your home has two zones, it will likely have two thermostats. Adjusting either of these thermostats will engage the dampers so that the appropriate zone receives the conditioned air.
Convenience
There’s no denying the fact that HVAC zoning is convenient. With a traditional HVAC system, you won’t have the option of warming or cooling specific areas of your home. Rather, when you adjust the thermostat, the conditioned air will be distributed throughout your entire home. Zoning offers a more convenient solution. With a zoned HVAC system, you can control the temperature of specific areas.
Energy Savings
You’ll probably save money on your home’s energy costs by upgrading to a zoned HVAC system. It will allow you to warm or cool specific areas of your home. If only the ground floor of your home is occupied, for example, you can adjust the thermostat for that zone.
The upper-level floor or floors won’t receive the conditioned air, assuming they have their own zone or zones. The end result is lower energy usage when running your HVAC system.
Inexpensive
Zoning is also inexpensive. Contrary to what some homeowners believe, it doesn’t require an additional AC system or furnace. You can use a single AC system and furnace combination while taking advantage of zoning. Zoning only requires the use of dampers.
Dampers are valve-like devices that, as previously mentioned, are installed within your home’s ductwork. When you adjust the thermostat for a zone, the dampers for that zone will open, and the dampers for the other zone or zones will close.
If you are experiencing a problem with your air conditioning or heating call us at 512-336-1431 to schedule an appointment. We’ll be glad to come out and take a look at the issue.
1431-183 A/C & Heating proudly serves Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Leander, Liberty Hill, and North Austin.
