When most people think about HVAC systems, they tend to focus on the performance and how that will affect their home comfort. This is understandable, but it’s only part of the equation, and energy efficiency is an important consideration. To get the best performance without breaking the bank, it’s a good idea to make energy consumption a priority. There are a number of ways to save energy, but in this article, we will be looking at HVAC zoning systems.
What is HVAC Zoning?
This is an accessory that you can use to fine-tune your HVAC system to boost the performance, functionality, and energy efficiency. HVAC zoning can help you to even out any hot or cold spots in your home, and everyone can get the temperature that they want. This will prevent the dreaded thermostat wars that seem to plague so many homes when the conditions outside turn hotter or colder.
A Brief Primer on Ductwork Systems
Many homes have a ductwork system that delivers the treated air to the rooms. This warm or cool air can be felt if you place your hand up to the vent when the HVAC system is running. The ductwork must be installed by a heating and cooling specialist to ensure that it’s effective and efficient. Poorly installed, cracked, and misaligned ductwork can waste a lot of treated air which is a waste of money. If the ductwork is in good shape, it may be possible to install an HVAC zoning system.
How Does HVAC Zoning Work?
The HVAC zoning system uses a series of dampers that are installed inside the ductwork system. When the HVAC system is running, the zoning system will make airflow adjustments which are determined by the zones that have been established in the home. Moving the dampers into various positions will control the flow of treated air throughout the entire home. This is ideal when you have people living in the home that have different preferences when it comes to heating and cooling. An HVAC zoning system can help in homes where there are design quirks that alter the airflow. When an HVAC zoning system is used properly, it can keep every room in the home at the ideal temperature.
4 HVAC Zoning System Benefits Explained
Like any system, an HVAC zoning system will only work at maximum efficiency when you know how to get the best out of it. Let’s take a look at four benefits in more detail:
1. Unfinished Spaces
When you have rooms located next to unfinished spaces, such as; the garage, attic, basement, and additions, there can be problems. Those areas are probably not insulated to the same standard as the rest of your home. They tend to feel cooler or warmer than other areas, and they can draw heat or coolness away from finished rooms. This can make these areas less comfortable, and it’s harder to control the temperatures. Adding an HVAC zoning system is a more affordable option when you need to handle these problems.
2. Tall Ceilings and Large Windows
A tall ceiling and large windows can really open up a room, and if you’re in the right location, the views can be stunning. But, it’s important to understand that having these two features will require more energy to heat and cool the room. Adding a zoning system can deliver the extra required energy to these rooms when you need it most. This will ensure that you are not heating or cooling an empty or underused room.
3. Multi-Story Homes
Living in a multi-storey home presents further challenges when it comes to heating and cooling efficiently. Extra ductwork and energy are required to make the HVAC system perform at optimal efficiency. But, the rooms that are further away from the heating and cooling equipment are harder to bring to the correct temperature. The zoning system can solve this problem by delivering extra airflow to the outlying areas that are furthest away.
4. Renovations and Additions
A larger addition or renovation project can make some drastic changes to the original layout of the home. This will affect the airflow patterns and the HVAC system may need to work harder to deliver the treated air to these new rooms. When the distribution of comfort is uneven, it can cause a number of problems that some people try to solve with separate heaters and window AC units. But, this may not be necessary; adding a zoned HVAC system is a more elegant solution that can lower the workload for the equipment.
Which is Best: HVAC Zoning vs. Multiple HVAC Units?
This is a hard question to answer because every home is different, but there are a few things to consider before you make a final decision. Adding an extra HVAC system for a very large home may be a smart decision, but the higher maintenance and energy costs can be a significant drawback. In some situations, such as an addition for an elderly relative to live nearby may make more sense. But in many cases, a zoning system will give you more control over the heating and cooling needs of the entire home. This will help you to deliver treated air to the rooms that are used most when you need it.
Can I Zone My HVAC System?
In many cases, the HVAC system can be made into a zoned system, and this is especially true if your system has a variable-speed blower motor. This component allows the user to operate the fan at multiple speeds to improve the energy efficiency. In comparison, a single speed blower motor will only operate at full capacity, and this is wasteful. An HVAC zoning system works to redirect air rather than increasing or decreasing it. Adding a bypass duct may be necessary to remove excess air, and this is not a problem when you’re using a variable speed motor.
If you want to learn more about HVAC zoning for your home, contact your local heating and cooling specialist today.