We all want our homes to be comfortable throughout the year. In the summer, we want cool air to beat the heat. In the winter, we want warm air to keep us cozy. But sometimes, no matter how we adjust the thermostat, one room is always too hot or too cold. It can be so frustrating! If you find yourself constantly fidgeting with the temperature in your home, it might be time to consider a zoned heating and cooling system.

A zoned HVAC system allows you to control the temperature in your home’s different parts (or zones). Sounds great, right? But installing zoning is a big investment, and not every home is a good candidate. So let’s unpack how it works, the pros and cons, and how to decide if a zoned HVAC system is suitable for your home.

What is a zoned HVAC system?

A zoned HVAC system is a set of thermostats and dampers that work together to heat or cool different parts of your home. You can save energy and money by targeting specific areas while keeping your entire house comfortable.

Most zoned HVAC systems have four parts:

1. Thermostats: These control the temperature in each zone
2. Dampers: These open and close to direct airflow to each zone
3. Zoning Control Panel: This coordinates the thermostats and dampers
4. HVAC Unit:  This is the actual furnace or air conditioner that heats and cools the air

There are two types of zoned HVAC systems: ducted and ductless. Ducted systems work with your existing ductwork, while ductless systems don’t require any ductwork at all. Instead, they use small, individual air handlers that are mounted on walls or ceilings. You might see these referred to as mini-splits.

How does a zoned HVAC system design work?

When you have a zoned HVAC system, you’ll have at least two thermostats in your home — one for each zone. Each thermostat is set to a different temperature, and the dampers (little flappers within your ductwork) open or close to direct airflow to each zone.

Zoned system designs can have as many as four zones per control panel. But most homes only need two or three zones.

Let’s say you have a split-level home, and the downstairs is always too cold in the winter. You could set the thermostat for the downstairs to a warmer temperature than the upstairs. The zoned system would direct more airflow to the downstairs and less to the upstairs. In the summer, you might do the opposite.

Pros and cons of HVAC zoning

Beyond the comfort of being able to control the temperature in different parts of your home, HVAC zoning has many additional benefits:

Energy efficiency

You can save a significant amount of energy by only heating or cooling the areas you’re using. Zoned systems can be as much as 10-15% more energy-efficient than traditional HVAC systems.

Lower operating costs

The improved energy efficiency of zoned systems can also lead to lower utility bills. Over time, the savings can help offset the cost of installing a zoned system.

Improved indoor air quality

Since zoning only heats or cools the areas you’re using, it can also help improve indoor air quality. By circulating less air, zoned systems can reduce the dust, pollen, and other allergens moving throughout your home.

Extended equipment life

Zoning puts less wear and tear on your HVAC unit because it’s not running hard when it doesn’t need to. This can help extend the life of your furnace or air conditioner.

Peace and quiet

HVAC systems can make a lot of noise. Some zoned systems come with whisper-quiet fans that won’t disrupt your life. This is excellent news for people who work from home and need uninterrupted focus time and comfort around the clock!

Now, there are some drawbacks to installing a zoned HVAC system. The biggest one is the initial cost. Zoned systems can be more expensive to install than traditional HVAC systems. But, as we mentioned, long-term savings can help offset the upfront investment.

Another potential drawback is that zoned systems can be complex to install. This is especially true for ducted systems requiring significant changes to your existing ductwork. 

That’s why it’s so important to have the HVAC installation done by a qualified professional. A pro can help you complete the installation efficiently and correctly, saving you from mistakes and wasted money.

Is a zoned HVAC system right for my home?

So you like the idea of zoned heating and cooling, but you’re unsure if it’s right for your home. Here are some factors to consider that can help you make a decision:

Square footage of your home

Zoned HVAC might not be necessary if you have a small to mid-sized house. A single unit can often adequately heat and cool a space of up to 2,000 square feet. Adding a few ceiling fans may be enough to circulate the air and keep temperatures consistent throughout your home.

The number of levels in your home

If your home is multi-level, zoning can be a great way to save energy and improve comfort. Single-story homes likely don’t need more than one zone, especially if the layout is open and spacious.

Number of rooms in your home

If your home has a lot of small rooms, zoning might be a great option. That’s because it can be challenging to get the airflow you need to heat or cool all the rooms evenly with just a standard system.

Age of your home

If you’re building a new home, zoned HVAC is much easier to install than if you’re retrofitting an existing home. However, old homes are less efficient and could benefit from zoned heating and cooling.

Climate

Zoned HVAC can be a great way to maintain comfort during peak temperatures if you live in an area with extreme heat or cold.

If you’re still on the fence about whether zoned HVAC suits your home, the best thing to do is talk to a qualified HVAC professional.

Contact Lee Company for your HVAC needs

Lee Company can help you assess your needs and determine if adding a zoned system is the best way to improve your comfort. We’ll also help you find ways to save energy and lower your utility bills! Contact us today for more information about zoned HVAC systems.