Zoning Upgrade: When and Why is It ‘Must-Have’ Investment for Homeowners?
24 July 2023Zoning refers to the ability to control and adjust the temperature independently in different areas or zones of a property, which allows for customised comfort and energy efficiency.
This ability is possible by integrating components that can direct heat or cool to areas that need it. These components are often installed in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, making sure zoning can be achieved for a property without any issues or problems.
The Process of Zoning Integration
Zoning integration in a property can be done in various steps.
• Assess the Requirements: The first step in zoning is to assess the requirements of the building. A professional HVAC contractor will evaluate the floor plan, insulation, windows, and other factors that may impact air distribution so they can determine the number of zones required and the best locations for zone dampers, thermostats, and ductwork modifications.
• Install Zone Dampers: The next step of zoning is to install zone dampers within the ductwork system to control the flow of conditioned air to different zones. These dampers can open or close based on the heating or cooling demands of each zone. They are normally motorised and can be controlled by a central control panel or individual thermostats.
• Integrate Thermostats and Controls: Each zone must then be equipped with its own thermostat, allowing occupants to set their desired temperatures. The thermostats communicate with the central control panel or control system to activate the appropriate dampers for each zone.
• Modify the Ductwork: The ductwork system may require modifications to accommodate zoning, which may include adding additional duct branches or dampers, sealing off certain sections of ducts, or installing bypass ducts to redirect excess air. Doing this can ensure that the airflow will be properly balanced across all zones to maintain consistent comfort levels.
• Setup Control Panel: A control panel or control system manages the operation of the zoning system. It receives input from the thermostats and sends signals to the zone dampers, coordinating the airflow to meet the demands of each zone. It then allows homeowners to program schedules, adjust settings, and monitor system performance.
• Test and Balance: Once the zoning system is installed, its airflow in each zone must be tested and balanced. Tests involve measuring and adjusting the airflow to ensure each zone receives the appropriate amount of conditioned air. This step is essential to effectively optimise comfort, energy efficiency, and performance of the zoning system.
A Must-Have Investment for Homes
There are situations where zoning is necessary for some home properties.
Multi-level homes, for instance, feature multiple levels with temperature variations due to natural heat rising or cooler air settling. Integrating zoning allows occupants to regulate the temperature on each floor independently. Zoning likewise eliminates the need to overheat or over-cool the entire house to achieve comfort.
Larger homes with expansive square footage can also benefit from zoning as homeowners can divide their properties into zones and control the temperature in each zone based on the specific needs of their occupants. Zoning can prevent them from wasting energy.
Rooms with varying occupancy can then maximise zoning as some portions may not require constant heating or cooling. Guest rooms, home offices, or spare rooms may not be used regularly. And so, by zoning these areas separately, homeowners can save energy by reducing or eliminating conditioning when they are unoccupied.
Zoning is especially advantageous in multi-level homes, large residences, and rooms with varying occupancy to effectively achieve energy efficiency and cost savings. Consult with your trusted and reliable HVAC professionals to assess your specific needs and design a zoning system that fits your home’s needs and requirements.
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