Why Should I Zone My Heating And Cooling?
Zoning your heating and cooling has become more and more popular as HVAC systems become increasingly advanced and energy efficiency is a focal point. You may be thinking, what is zoning? Well in this article, we will tell you all about what zoning your HVAC system means, and what the benefits of zoning are.
I have been installing HVAC systems for years now. Years ago, it was all about central air. You want to make sure the whole building is taken care of. This is still a great system, but now zoning has become something that homeowners and businesses are looking for.
If you are thinking about an upgrade to your heating and cooling system is Bristol, VA, we can help you out. The experts at Complete Comfort can assess your HVAC system, and determine the best route for zoning your HVAC. Give us a call at (276) 690-9222, or contact us online!
What Is Zoned HVAC?
A zoned HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system allows you to heat and cool different zones around your home independently. This means you can have one room running at a certain temperature, while another room or zone is at a different one.
Traditional HVAC systems try to treat a home as a single entity, making the entire building the same temperature. Zoned systems provide targeted heating or cooling to specific areas as needed. This can be done through the use of dampers in the ductwork that regulate airflow to each zone and individual thermostats that control the temperature in each zone.
What Are The Benefits Of Zoning?
Zoning your heating and cooling comes along with benefits! From keeping everyone in the home happy to saving on energy bills, there are a few reasons you will want to zone your HVAC system.
Customizable Comfort
When you zone your heating and cooling, you can then keep different spaces at different temperatures purposefully. This allows you to keep different people in the home happy, and stop the fight over the thermostat!
For example, you can keep bedrooms cooler at night without freezing the living room, or ensure the kitchen is comfortable without turning the upstairs into an oven. Now obviously, if everyone is watching TV in the living room, you are going to have to agree on a temperature there. But, when everyone is hanging out in different rooms, there is no need to fight over the thermostat. Everyone can have their rooms set at the temperature they desire, without affecting the rest of the house!
Energy Savings
Zoned heating and cooling systems can lead to substantial energy savings. Think about it. If you are using a central air conditioning or heating system, you are trying to treat the entire home at the same temperature. This includes rooms that aren’t being used. If you use a zoned system, you can eliminate wasting energy and resources keeping the unused spaces comfortable. This energy savings is going to make a big impact on your energy bills, reducing them significantly over the course of the year.
Longer HVAC System Lifespan
Because zoned systems run more efficiently and aren’t required to heat or cool the entire house continuously, they usually experience less wear and tear. Since you are using your system a bit less, you are putting less mileage on it. This is going to lead to a longer lifespan for your HVAC system.
How Can You Zone Your Comfort?
Creating a zoned HVAC system in your home can be achieved in a couple of ways, depending on your existing setup and what you are looking for.
Installing Dampers And Thermostats
For homes with traditional ducted systems, zoning can be accomplished by installing dampers within the ductwork. These dampers open and close to control the flow of air to different areas of the home, as directed by individual thermostats placed in each zone. This design allows you to keep your traditional HVAC system, and control each zone using a different thermostat.
Installing Ductless Mini Splits
Another way to achieve zoned comfort is through the installation of ductless mini-splits. These systems consist of an outdoor condenser unit connected to one or more indoor units, each of which can be controlled independently. Ductless units are great for homes without ductwork, as well as additions to homes or problem rooms. These systems have the ability to both heat and cool, meaning you don’t need separate systems for each time of year.
Zoning Your Heating And Cooling In Bristol, VA
If you were thinking of making an upgrade to your heating and cooling system this year, consider zoning your HVAC system. The experts at Complete Comfort can come take a look at your home, and help you design the perfect HVAC system to zone your heating and cooling. Give us a call at (276) 690-9222, or contact us online today!