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Zoned HVAC systems have long been standard for commercial buildings. In more recent years, more and more homeowners have also chosen to install a zoned HVAC system. That’s because a zoned system provides many benefits and is superior to a standard HVAC system in a number of important areas, including energy efficiency and temperature control. This article will first explain what a zoned HVAC system is and then take a look at the benefits this type of system can provide for your home.
What Is HVAC Zoning?
The main thing that sets a zoned HVAC system apart from a standard system is that it divides the building into smaller areas instead of treating the entire building as one. That means each zone has a thermostat that operates independently of the thermostats in the other zones. This allows you to choose a different temperature for each zone and ensure that every living space is exactly as warm or cool as you want. It also means there are many times when the system will only be supplying heating or cooling to some zones instead of always heating or cooling the entire building at the same time.
Central vs. Ductless Zoned HVAC Systems
All ductless mini-split systems are considered zoned systems. That’s because the system has an independent air handler unit in almost every room. Each of these units heats and cools the space it’s in and can be set to whatever temperature you wish without affecting the air handlers in the other parts of the house. Nonetheless, all of the air handlers are still connected to a single condenser outside.
Zoned central HVAC systems are a bit more complex. As with a standard central HVAC system, there is still just one main air handler that works alongside a heat pump or with both a central air conditioner and a furnace. The difference is that the ductwork is designed a bit differently so that the house can be divided into multiple zones. A zoned system has automatic metal dampers within the ductwork at various places, each of which controls the airflow to one zone.
If the HVAC system is off and one of the thermostats sends a signal that its zone needs to be heated or cooled, the system will come on. At the same time, the damper for that zone will automatically open to allow hot or cool air to flow through all of that zone’s supply vents. Once that zone reaches the correct temperature, the damper will close so no more air flows to that zone. However, the system will continue running if any of the other zones are also cooler or warmer than they should be.
Variable-speed Technology
The other significant difference between zoned and non-zoned HVAC systems is their use of variable-speed technology. Zoned systems typically incorporate a variable-speed air conditioner or heat pump. These units continuously adjust the refrigerant flow rate to deliver the precise amount of cooling needed at any given time. For heat pumps, this technology also controls the amount of heat being produced during colder months, ensuring consistent and efficient performance.
In addition to a variable-speed AC or heat pump, zoned systems feature a variable-speed blower. This component adjusts the volume of air being circulated, ensuring each zone receives the exact airflow required for optimal comfort.
For zoned systems that combine an AC with a furnace, the furnace is often a modulating unit. A modulating furnace operates similarly to a variable-speed system but manages heat output by precisely regulating the gas flow to the burners. This allows for more accurate temperature control and improved energy efficiency.
Why Zoned HVAC Systems Use Less Energy
The use of variable-speed and modulating technology in a zoned system significantly reduces energy consumption, as it ensures the system only provides the exact amount of heating or cooling required at any given time. When only one zone needs heating or cooling, the system may operate at as little as 25% of its full capacity, consuming up to 75% less energy compared to a standard HVAC system with a single-stage air conditioner, heat pump, or furnace. In fact, a zoned system typically operates at full capacity for no more than 20% of the time, leading to substantial savings on both heating and cooling costs.
Another reason your energy costs will be lower with a zoned system is that you don’t always have to heat and cool each zone to the same temperature. One of the most common layouts for a zoned HVAC system is for all of the bedrooms in one part of the house to be in the same zone. Areas like the kitchen, living room, and dining room are in a separate zone. This setup is beneficial for saving energy since many people rarely use their bedrooms when they are not sleeping. That means you don’t need to heat or cool the bedroom zone as much during the day. As such, you can set the thermostat for that zone to a more economical temperature and give your HVAC system a break.
If your house has more than one story, it’s also a good idea to create one or two zones on each floor. This is useful because it ensures an area like a finished basement or the uppermost floor is never too cold or hot. Designating the upper floor as a separate zone can help save energy during the winter. That’s because the upper floor will naturally get some heating due to the warm air from the lower floors rising up, resulting in the HVAC system not needing to heat the upper floor as often.
How a Zoned HVAC System Improves Home Comfort
Another advantage of a zoned HVAC system is the ability to control the temperature in each individual area of your home. In a standard HVAC system, the thermostat only measures the temperature in the room where it’s located, which can lead to inconsistencies in temperature throughout your home. For instance, downstairs areas tend to be colder, while upper floors can feel warmer. Cold spots near exterior walls are also a common issue in the winter. However, you can avoid these issues with a zoned system. As long as the system is properly designed and functioning correctly, it ensures a more consistent temperature throughout your home, with minimal to no hot or cold spots.
Contact Your Local HVAC Experts
When you need an HVAC or plumbing company you can trust, turn to Duane Blanton Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Cooling. We’ve been in business for 35 years and have the experience to take care of your installation, maintenance, and heating repair needs. We have locations in Round Lake and Ingleside and serve all of the surrounding areas as well. If you’re considering installing a zoned HVAC system, we can design a customized solution that suits your home’s specific cooling and heating requirements. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced team members.
