Do you or someone you love like to slap a note onto the thermostat that reads something like…
Do not turn up the heat unless you answer yes to all of the following:
- Are you wearing pants, socks, and long sleeves?
- Can you see your breath?
- Do you pay the bills?
We feel your pain, whichever side of the note you’re on. But if you’re finding yourself at odds with your cohabitants over the comfort level of your home, it may be time to consider a zoned heating and cooling solution.
What is Zoned Heating and Cooling?
Zoned HVAC systems allow precise temperature control in one or more rooms. They provide the ability to split your home into separately controlled temperature zones. With the ability to set and adjust temperatures in each zone, multiple people in a home can enjoy their preferred temperature while improving overall energy efficiency. Temperatures can be set to reflect the needs of each space. Less frequented rooms can be adjusted accordingly, meaning you only consume the energy needed to warm or cool rooms when in use. A household can make significant gains in energy efficiency through the reduction of its HVAC system’s output.
There are several options on the market when making the switch to a zoned HVAC system. They can be added to any home, either integrating with or replacing your current system. A professional HVAC company will assess whether your home will benefit from a single or multi-zoned system. They will also determine if a zoned system can be integrated into your existing ductwork or if a ductless version would be a better solution. No matter which option you and your HVAC service provider go with, these all-electric zero-emission systems heating and cooling units give you more control, improved comfort, better energy efficiency, and money saved.
Single Vs Multi-Zoned HVAC Systems
There are a variety of benefits provided by each type of system. A decision for one or the other will be based on your overall needs. Does your entire HVAC system need a revamp? Do you have just one space to tackle? A reputable HVAC company will help you decide what will benefit you most and walk you through the processes, costs, benefits, and potential downsides of each.
Single-zone Heating and Cooling Systems
Serving only one area or room of your home, a single-zone HVAC system is a simple solution that requires lower installation costs, less maintenance, and fewer repairs down the line. A single unit provides one thermostat to control the cooling or heating of one area. A single-zone unit is great for
- House additions that are not connected to the rest of the home’s HVAC system.
- Supplemental temperature control is needed in an under-served area of your home, such as attics.
- Air condition a garage or workshop without decommissioning a window for the summer months.
- A smaller home, such as a cabin or mobile home.
- Small finished rooms in attics, basements, or garage lofts
Your HVAC service provider will determine the size and capacity of a single zone system needed for your space and whether you have adequate airflow to distribute the warm or cool air throughout the space. That’ll depend on the capacity of the system you’re considering. Just ensure you have adequate airflow with fans to distribute the air throughout your home.
Multi-Zone Heating and Cooling Systems
A multi-zone HVAC system sections a home into separately controlled temperature areas. With their own thermostats, multi-zone systems control the temperature in two or more zones.
Multi-zone HVAC systems allow you to cool or heat multiple rooms in a home. Multiple units are dedicated to their own rooms or areas with either a remote central thermostat or independent control panels for each “zone.” They can be installed as the primary HVAC system in a new home build, integrated into a home’s existing ductwork, or ductless versions can replace existing HVAC systems. Multi-zone HVAC systems are great for
- Large or multilevel homes
- Rooms throughout a home with differing heating or cooling needs, such as kitchens, bedrooms, or guestrooms.
- Old houses where installing new ductwork may be more trouble than it’s worth and mini-split ductless versions are best.
- Larger home additions, such as in-law suites
- Finished multi-room attics, basements, or garage lofts
- Homes with extra tall ceilings
Your HVAC service provider will help determine if a multi-zoned HVAC system is right for your home, how many you need, which areas to install, and whether you will benefit more from ducted or ductless units.
Benefits of Zoned Heating and Cooling
Enhanced Comfort
A single or multi-zoned HVAC unit will provide more comfort no matter which version you choose. Splitting your home into temperature-controlled zones provides more control to each member of your household without negatively impacting the heating bill. Rather than having to set an entire house to one temperature, and parts of the home getting too much or too little heat or cold air, temperatures can be set in each area on an as-needed basis. The notepad used for thermostat warnings can instead be used to write daily mantras or love notes. Everyone wins.
Energy Efficiency
No longer pay to heat or cool a room you are not using and save on your utility bill every month. Zoned HVAC systems use electricity, also contributing to less reliance on fossil fuels and even more savings on your bill.
Better Control
Switching from a traditional HVAC system to a multi-zone system provides better temperature control for each room and allows for improved accuracy in every part of your home.
Customization
Everyone’s temperature preferences can be accommodated with multi-zoned HVAC systems. Customize temperature in bedrooms for better sleep, home offices, and workspaces for improved productivity, and account for major outdoor temperature fluctuations depending on where you live. Comfort is personal to everyone, and with multi-zoned HVAC systems, comfort can be customized unlike ever before.
Is Zoned HVAC Right For Your Home?
At Potter HVAC, we have the knowledge, skills, and years of experience to determine the best heating and cooling solution for your home and budget. We can help you determine whether you will need ductless mini-splits or if we can integrate the zoned units into your existing ductwork. We will help you explore all of the zoning options available to you, based on your budget, square footage, age of home, and current HVAC setup. Are you ready to make the switch to zoned heating and cooling? Let’s get you comfortable!
Sources:
https://www.mitsubishicomfort.com/articles/zoned-home
https://rainaldihomeservices.com/articles/ductless-multi-zone-central-hvac-best
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