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How Does a Zoned HVAC System Work?

Wooden staircase in airy home

Do you have rooms that are larger than others that take a long time to heat up? Would you like to improve your home’s indoor air quality while saving energy? A zoned HVAC system could be the answer you’re looking for. But how does a zoned HVAC system work?

Whereas a traditional heating and cooling system uses a single furnace or heat pump to regulate the air temperature across the entire house, a zoned HVAC system works by regulating the air in individual areas or “zones.” The number of zones you need is determined by the size of your house.

If your current HVAC system is getting old and you’re considering a replacement, or maybe you’re just ready to try something new, upgrading to a zoned HVAC system has many advantages. The professionals at A+ Heating & Cooling –Electrical have the experience to install and repair zoned systems and heat pumps. Call us today for a free estimate.

How does a zoned HVAC system work?

When a furnace turns on, the heated air flows through the ductwork and into each room until it reaches a consistent temperature. This is fine, but if some rooms are colder than others at different parts of the day, this could make some rooms too hot while others are cold. A zoned heating and air conditioning system works by using dampers in the ductwork to regulate and direct airflow to specific areas of your home. A unit will cover one “zone” or a few rooms, and it may have its own thermostat or be controlled by a central thermostat.

When your thermostat turns the heat on, it uses sensors to know when the house has reached the right temperature and turns the heating system off. A thermostat in a zoned HVAC system instead closes the zone dampers to regulate the temperature in each zone until the set temperature is reached. When you stay in a hotel, each room usually has its own heating and cooling unit. That is a zoned HVAC unit, and your room is a zone.

How many zones does my house need?

Many homes tend to divide their home into two zones; upstairs and downstairs. However, if the sun is especially strong on one side of your house compared to the other, that could be a factor when deciding where the zones should be. It’s best to consult a trusted zoned HVAC technician such as A+ Heating & Cooling – Electrical to help you determine how many zones your home needs.

Who should consider getting a multi-zone system?

There are many coastal Carolina families that have installed zoned HVAC systems in their homes. The personalized controls make getting comfortable easy. Installing a zoned HVAC system is a great idea for a home that has just had an addition put on or a room finished such as an attic or a basement.

Rooms with large glass windows or vaulted ceilings that take a long time to heat up can also benefit from a zoned system. Many customers like zoned heating and cooling for guest rooms because they can be easily turned off without wasting a lot of energy or strain on your furnace. Then guests can feel comfortable turning down the heat at night without freezing the other members of the house.

Benefits of a zoned HVAC system

We’ve already mentioned how zones are better for making certain areas more comfortable, but one of the biggest benefits to a zoned HVAC system is the energy savings. Your zone’s programmable thermostats prevent rooms from being overheated or overcooled, saving you big on energy costs. In fact, zoning can save you up to 35% in energy savings.

Call A+ Heating and Cooling – Electrical for a free zoned HVAC estimate

Now that you know how an HVAC zoning system works, you might be curious to see if a zoning system will work for your home. Call the experienced pros at A+ Heating & Cooling – Electrical to get a free estimate on zoned HVAC installation.