Zone control systems are a form of central heating and cooling. In a traditional configuration, there’s a single zone. That zone is your entire home, including all levels and rooms. In a zoned system, there are multiple zones that you can control independently. In some cases, the configuration is as simple as having a zone for the upper floor and a zone for the ground floor. Some homeowners expand that setup to include zones for their bathrooms, bedrooms, and so forth. Implementing a zone system is more complex and expensive, but many benefits make the investment worthwhile.
Enhanced and Personalized Comfort
A zone control system can maintain your desired comfort in all zones. Consider a large sunroom that absorbs a lot of the cooling from the rooms around it. You can overcome this issue by making the sunroom its own zone. Zoned systems also eliminate temperature fluctuation issues. When in different parts of the home, family members can also adjust their zones based on their individual preferences.
Decreased Heating and Cooling Costs
Perhaps the greatest advantage of a zone control system is the potential for reduced heating and cooling costs. The average family in a large home wastes a significant amount of money heating and cooling rooms they’re not using. These losses can be even bigger at night when everyone’s asleep. With zoned HVAC, you can maintain cool or warm bedroom temperatures but apply a much more efficient setting elsewhere. How much you’ll save depends on several factors. That said, the model used by the U.S. Department of Energy estimates 30% for the typical heating and cooling bill.
Lower Total Cost of Ownership
While a zone control system is more expensive to install than a traditional HVAC system, you can recoup that investment. The significant month-to-month savings during summer and winter is one option. Another benefit is how the equipment functions. Zoned systems generally don’t have to cycle as often and for as long. That results in less wear and tear on the equipment, which often means lower repair costs and increased equipment lifespan.
Reduced Carbon Footprint
Zone control systems are more environmentally friendly because they consume less electricity and fuel. Cooling and heating systems account for the largest share of the average American household’s carbon footprint. Scientists estimate that global air conditioning will be the leading cause of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Air conditioning already accounts for more GHG than the world’s aviation industry. Conservative estimates suggest that zoned HVAC systems can reduce carbon emissions by 20% per household. This is one reason the federal government now lets you claim much of this equipment via the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit.
Remote Temperature Sensors
Traditional HVAC systems have one indoor temperature sensor. This requires central placement of the thermostat and avoiding direct sunlight. Even with optimal placement, a single temperature reading for an entire home is less than ideal. Zone control systems require at least one sensor per zone and can have multiple. That eliminates the need for central positioning. That allows zone HVAC systems to have multiple thermostats. It also makes it easy to add additional sensors, such as:
- Smoke
- Indoor air quality
- Relative humidity
- Carbon monoxide
Lessened Air Stratification
If you live in a multistory home, you may have noticed a temperature difference between the floors. With traditional HVAC setups, part of the reason is air stratification. This refers to thin air rising and dense air sinking. In dual-level homes, it’s often why the downstairs is always a tad cooler than the upstairs. Zone control systems mitigate this. The stratification will still occur, but the system will detect the added heat upstairs and compensate. This will result in more even heating and cooling throughout the home.
Enhanced Indoor Air Quality
A traditional HVAC system can move contaminants from one area of your home to another. This doesn’t happen in a zone system. You can still have indoor air quality issues in a zone, but they’ll remain contained. The system won’t exacerbate the problem. It’s also possible to integrate indoor air quality equipment and benefit from it in your various zones. That includes whole-house air purifiers, dehumidifiers, humidifiers, and fans, including heat and energy recovery ventilators.
Less Noise Output
Zone control systems typically create less operational noise. These systems don’t have to cycle on as often or run for as long a period. Zoned systems often have a variable-speed air handler that doesn’t always have to run full tilt. In addition, these systems regulate airflow with dampers so that the system can open and close as needed. Those dampers provide sound dampening too. There are also smart-vent-controlled systems and systems with both active dampers and smart vents. In both cases, the vents control airflow into the home and dampen sound as well.
Advanced Smart Thermostat Control
Installing smart thermostats as part of a zone control system is typical. These advanced thermostats provide features that get the most out of your system. You can, for instance, have a different schedule for the ground floor than the upper floor. That makes it a lot easier to maintain your desired sleeping temperatures with more energy-efficient temperatures elsewhere. It also gives you finer and more robust control over indoor air quality equipment. Smart thermostats also have Wi-Fi, which facilitates remote access and control.
Remote Access and Control
Having a thermostat in a zone is convenient when in that zone. What’s not convenient is having to walk to a zone to check and adjust its thermostat. That’s why most systems incorporate remote access and control. You can control each zone from all wall-mounted units. Often, there’s an app you can install on your phone to access and control the zones from there as well. That means you can control the system while sitting on the couch, in your office at work, or while commuting home.
Ducted, Ductless, or Both
The term zone control system typically refers to a ducted HVAC system. Zoned HVAC is broader and includes mini splits, which are inherently zoned if you have two or more indoor units. Both are viable options. If you currently have central HVAC, a zone control system is a strong option. If your home doesn’t have ducts, a mini split system may be preferable. You can also combine them. Some people prefer mini splits in the bedroom for finer control. You can also use mini splits to heat and cool disconnected areas, such as garage apartments and finished basements.
Installation of HVAC Zoning in Verde?
Goettl's High Desert Mechanical has served homeowners in Verde and throughout the neighboring communities since 1987. Our team is available for inspections, installations, maintenance, and repairs, including around-the-clock emergencies. Our NATE-certified technicians specialize in central air conditioners, fuel-burning and electric furnaces, air-source and geothermal heat pumps, and ductless mini-splits. We install and repair ductwork, zoned control systems, and indoor air quality equipment. Our plumbers specialize in installing new pipes, faucets, toilets, water heaters, garbage disposals, water softeners, and water filters. If you have questions or would like to schedule service or a consultation, call us today, or contact us online.
