HVAC Zoning System (Why You Need It for Your Home)
HVAC zoning allows each room/ zone to have the ideal temperature controlled by its own thermostat. Zoned HVAC systems regulate the temperatures for increased efficiency and comfort. Dampers are mounted inside the ducts redirecting and regulating the airflow.
Zoning is ideal for high ceilings, unoccupied rooms, multi-storey houses, basement, large/ picture windowed rooms and sunrooms. Most homes have up to 4 zones, but the number can be increased to accommodate all the rooms. You can reach out to our HVAC experts for guidance on the number of zones you can consider depending on your home setup.
What do you need for a zoning system?
Zone Control Panel
It is at the center of the zoning system. The control panel is the medium of communication between thermostats, dampers, and HVAC equipment. You can check out the relay and zone panels here.
Thermostats
Installed in each zone (room) and communicates with the control panel for specific zones temperature adjustment (sends signal for getting cool or warm air).
Modulating Zone Dampers
These are valves that regulate airflow to various zones in the home. They manually or automatically open and close depending on the thermostats calling from respective zones. Multiple dampers that work for the same zone in the house can be programmed and regulated together. For Multi-Zone ductless systems, dampers are mounted at the air outlet to each unit.
Advantages of HVAC Zoning Systems
- Personalized comfort levels and control
- Energy-saving operation
- Cheaper cost
- System durability
- Enhanced air quality
Personalized comfort levels
Since the home is divided into zones, individuals are able to set perfect temperatures for their rooms according to their preference. This way comfort is guaranteed.
Enhanced Energy Savings
If you want to adjust zone-specific temperature, that is possible with zoned system. Heating and cooling an entire home at the same time consumes more energy unlike adjusting the temperature for a single room. You can save energy by diverting air away from regions that don't always require it.
Economical Operation
Even though it’s expensive to install a zoning system, in the long run it is cheap because of lower energy consumption. This is due to the fact that temperature adjustments are zone-specific and not based on the entire house.
System Durability
There will be less wear and tear since maintaining temperature in a particular zone by heating and cooling is easier as compared to the entire home. The system will not work as hard, thus increasing longevity.
Improved Air Quality
Dampers ensure that air is only diverted to the zone it is meant for preventing undesirable particles such as lint and pollen from finding their way into the house.
What are the disadvantages?
- It is expensive to set up as compared to traditional HVAC systems. This depends on the number of zones and dampers.
- Installation, maintenance, and repairs are complex requiring high professional expertise. This is because the setup consists of more equipment.
For custom HVAC control solutions, feel free to contact our HVAC Control Engineering team for assistance or learn more on our HVAC Controls website.
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