When you have an HVAC system set up at your home, you might want to look into ways in which you can make things more efficient. Setting up different HVAC zones can help you do that, and these zones can also help you make certain rooms more comfortable.
The Basics of Zoning
HVAC zones are exactly what they sound like: they are different sections of the home that can be set to different temperatures. Some people don’t have any separate zones; rather, their whole home is the same zone. In contrast, others have multiple zones so that they can better control the temperature in specific areas.
HVAC zones can be useful when you’re trying to keep things comfortable. Let’s say you’d like to keep your bedrooms cooler at night in the summer, but you don’t mind them being a little warmer during the day when you’re not sleeping. Chances are you spend more time in the living room and kitchen during the day, so you may want those areas to be cooler in the afternoon than in the middle of the night. In this scenario, you’d benefit from having two HVAC zones. Your bedrooms can make up one zone, controlled by one thermostat. The common areas in your home would make up another zone, controlled with a separate thermostat. By setting those areas up as separate zones, you’re able to direct your HVAC’s air where you need it most rather than heating or cooling your entire home at once.
You’ll generally see HVAC zoning systems in larger homes, as they’re more prone to hot and cold spots. In multi-story houses, the rooms located upstairs may get significantly warmer than areas on the first floor. Similarly, rooms in single-story homes that get more sun exposure will probably need more cooling than ones at the center of the structure. A single thermostat will not be able to register the temperature in more than one part of the home, requiring you to manually change settings if someone in the warmer rooms becomes uncomfortable. With multiple thermostats, though, your system can sense temperatures in different areas of your home and adjust accordingly. Zoned systems often have control panels that let you adjust every zone from a central point, too, so you don’t need to wander your home to change temperatures.
Common HVAC Zoning Practices
Many people with two-story homes choose to set up two HVAC zones: one for the rooms upstairs, and the other for the rooms downstairs. That being said, there are many ways in which you can set up your HVAC zones.
Some homeowners decide to set up more than two zones. This can sometimes work well in homes that have finished basements. In this case, the basement can become its own zone. When you’re not using this space, you won’t have to worry as much about keeping it at a comfortable temperature. You only have to make adjustments when you’re spending time down there. This can help you conserve energy and save money on your utility bills.
Additionally, rooms over garages, sunrooms, and additions may all benefit from having their own HVAC zones. Otherwise, it may be difficult to regulate their temperatures.
Not Just Central AC
If you’re having an HVAC system set up at your home and want to have a lot of control over the temperature in specific areas, think about getting ductless mini-splits. These units are not hooked up to central air; instead, they heat or cool the room in which they’re located. You might set up each bedroom with a ductless mini-split, or you might choose to put one in the main living space and one in the main bedroom, for example. Having more than one ductless mini-split installed is a relatively straightforward way to achieve multiple HVAC zones.
Serving Our Local Community
Polar Express Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning was founded in 2014, and we have more than 20 years of experience in the industry. We can be a resource if you’re looking for assistance with HVAC zones at your home in the Lake Elsinore region. Quality of service is very important to us, and we’ve worked hard to establish our reputation as a trustworthy company. We’re available to install, repair, and maintain heating and air conditioning systems, and we have experience with indoor air quality products, duct cleaning, and humidifiers. Many of our customers have appreciated our up-front pricing structure and our honest answers to their questions. If you need any more information, we’d be happy to hear from you. Call us at Polar Express Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning to let us know how we can help you with your HVAC system.
