HVAC
Benefits of HVAC Zoning

If you’re considering an update to your Greater Kansas City area HVAC system, you may want to investigate HVAC zoning. This style of HVAC setup carries several benefits, although it may not be the right choice for everyone.

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What Is HVAC Zoning?

When it comes to temperature settings, many families argue over how they set their thermostats. With HVAC zoning, you can get a heating and cooling system that satisfies everyone in the family. Basically, HVAC zoning creates separate temperature zones in your home. Each zone is controlled by its own thermostat. For instance, you may have your home office set to a warmer temperature than your guest bedroom, which doesn’t get used very much.

This type of temperature control means you don’t have to heat and cool your home indiscriminately. A network of thermostats and duct dampers controls your ventilation system so that only the desired zones are heated or cooled.

To set up zoned HVAC, you must go through several steps.

1. Create Different Zones

To make an HVAC zoning system, you first must divide your home into different zones. Each zone will need to have its own thermostat to control the temperature. Then, these thermostats must be wired into a central control panel.

2. Set Up Dampers

Next, our HVAC technician must set up zoning dampers. These are plates or valves that can control airflow within your ductwork. If you have a ductless system, the dampers are put in each system’s air outlet instead of the ducts. When you need to heat or cool a room, the dampers open and close to let the air through. Once the zone has achieved the desired temperature, the dampers can close to stop additional airflow.

3. Enjoy Zoned HVAC Control

Once everything is set up, you can enjoy zoned temperature control with the push of a button. As soon as you change the temperature on the thermostat, a message is transmitted to the central control panel. Once the HVAC system turns on, the central control panel tells the appropriate dampers to open or close. This lets you adjust the temperature in individual zones as needed.

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The Benefits of HVAC Zoning

If you’ve decided to get HVAC zoning in your home, there are several benefits you’ll be able to enjoy.

Reduced Electricity Usage

With a normal HVAC system, the thermostat controls the entire house at once. This means that you must heat or cool every room if you want to feel warm in one space. As a result, you must pay for electricity to heat and cool rooms you aren’t even using. Zoned HVAC systems use less electricity and save money on your energy bill. While you should still allow for conditioned airflow throughout the home to maintain healthy indoor air quality, you can strategically heat and cool your home affordably.

Improved Comfort

One of the biggest attractions of HVAC zoning is how comfortable your home will be. Each person has a different temperature preference, which can quickly become a problem if you have a large family. By getting a zoned HVAC system, you can ensure that every individual in your family feels comfortable.

Even if everyone generally prefers the same temperature, there are occasions when you might want to change the temperature in a specific room. For instance, activities like working out, baking, or napping often require different temperatures. You may want to add extra heat to a room where someone is resting while simultaneously cooling rooms that have someone baking or exercising. Showering or doing laundry can raise the temperature in bathrooms and laundry rooms. You may want to turn down the temperature there.

Better HVAC Longevity

Because a standard HVAC system must change the temperature in an overall larger area, it must work harder. The added wear can increase the chances of expensive repairs. Eventually, it can lead to a shorter lifespan for your unit.

Increased Convenience

Many zoned HVAC systems are connected to mobile devices and apps, making them easier to control. If you forget to turn down the temperature after leaving home, you can easily adjust your HVAC system from your phone. You can control the temperature of your home when you’re away on vacation as well.

Potential Downsides to HVAC Zoning

While there are many advantages to getting a zoned HVAC system, this option might not be for everyone. For instance, zoned HVAC makes more sense in a large home. If you have a one- or two-bedroom house, the energy savings might not be worth the upfront investment. A home with minimal square footage can usually be efficiently heated and cooled with a traditional system.

You should talk to an HVAC professional if you already have ducts installed in your walls and ceilings. While dampers can still be added, you may need to replace any drywall that needs to be cut into during the installation process. However, this problem isn’t an issue with ductless systems.

Finally, the upfront cost may be higher for some zoned systems. This is dependent on the layout and details of your home. Fortunately, you’ll get some of this investment back over time because of the energy savings. There may also be rebates available for the installation of a zoned HVAC system.

How Many Zones Can an HVAC System Have?

The number of zones you can have depends on the type of equipment you have installed in your home. A standard HVAC system can contain up to four different zones. Meanwhile, a mini-split system can have up to eight zones.

It’s a good idea to talk to an HVAC professional about how many zones your home should have. For instance, some homes get zoned HVAC systems because the upper floor has a significantly different temperature than the lower floor. In these cases, the home may only require two different zones.

When Is HVAC Zoning a Good Choice?

If one of the following situations describes your Greater Kansas City area home, zoned HVAC may be a good choice for your family.

  • Large windows in certain rooms
  • Warmer upper floors than lower floors
  • Areas with different temperature needs
  • Rooms with heat-producing appliances
  • Stuffy rooms
  • Rooms that are used infrequently

Learn More About HVAC Zoning

While zoned HVAC isn’t the right choice for everyone, it can help you achieve a more comfortable, energy-efficient home. If you are uncertain about whether this choice is right for you, MVP Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing & Electric can help. We can review your current heating and cooling setup to see if changes can be made. Then, we can assist you in determining the best zoned HVAC system for your needs.

Over the years, we have developed a reputation as one of Kansas City’s best HVAC contractors. We offer support with HVAC installation, repair, and maintenance. Additionally, we can install attic fans, generators, EV charging stations, sump pumps, and drains. For more information about how MVP Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing & Electric can help keep your Kansas City home comfortable throughout the year, contact one of our experienced team members today.

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