While not new, zoned heating is absolutely a hot trend in home heating and cooling. The benefits of a zoned heating and cooling system are numerous, but what does it mean for your home’s infrastructure and technology? Do you need multiple HVAC systems? Does it impact your home’s ducts?
Read on as we answer your top questions about zoned heating and cooling, including how many thermostats and temperature sensors you need to control your new system.
Zone Heating and Cooling vs. Traditional Central Heating
A zoned heating system is a system that allows homeowners to heat and cool different parts, or “zones,” of a home apart from the whole, while traditional central HVAC systems heat or cool a home equally throughout. Zone heating and cooling systems allow individuals greater control of their environment and oftentimes save homeowners money by allowing them to reduce energy usage for underutilized areas in a home.
How Are HVAC “Zones” Defined?
An HVAC zone is created through the connection of looping HVAC ductwork and employing the use of dampers. For example, you may have one zone that is connected by ductwork that serves a basement or serves all of a home’s bedrooms or even the south side of a home.
Do I Need More than One Furnace or Air Conditioner for Zone Heating and Cooling?
No. One of the great things about modern zone heating and cooling is that it does not usually require additional duct work or HVAC systems. Most of the costs associated with these systems are for updating existing equipment, like adding air duct dampers that will allow for zoned heating control.
Do I Need More Than One Thermostat for a Zone Heating and Cooling System?
Older style zone heating and cooling systems required the installation of multiple thermostats connected to heating and cooling systems. With the invention of smart home systems, it is now even easier to control different zones of a home with one thermostat and multiple temperature sensors. Employing a modern-day zone heating and cooling system in your home requires an upgrade to smart home gadgets.
If you have a traditional thermostat that doesn’t support the use of temperature sensors, you will need a thermostat in each room and potentially, multiple heating and cooling systems. Contact your local Aire Serv® to learn more about your zone heating options.
The Benefits of Zone Heating and Cooling
Despite the initial cost of installing a new thermostat(s), temperature sensors, and upgrading or retrofitting existing HVAC systems, the pros of zone heating and cooling far exceed the cons. The benefits of these devices and of zone heating and cooling are numerous. They allow homeowners to better control the temperature in their home, create more comfortable living spaces, and decrease their energy bills while enjoying maximum comfort.
Other benefits of modern, smart home zone heating and cooling:
- Able to integrate with your current system (in some cases)
- Does not require a new furnace
- Eliminates cold spots in your home
- You only pay for the energy you need
Is Zone Heating and Cooling Right for Me?
Wondering if zone heating and cooling is right for your home? If you answer yes to any of these questions, zone heating and cooling may be right for you:
- Does your home have multiple levels?
- Do large parts of your home go unused for days, weeks, or months at a time?
- Are you looking to conserve energy or save money on your monthly bills?
- Are you unhappy with the performance of your existing thermostat or HVAC system?
- Do you have unwanted hot or cold spots in your home?
- Are you already looking to replace an old thermostat, furnace, air conditioner, or thermostat?
Breathe Easy with Zone Heating & Cooling from Aire Serv
Ready to upgrade your HVAC system to include zone heating and cooling? Breathe easy with energy-efficient solutions from your local Aire Serv. Call our team or request an appointment online to get started, today.
