Uneven temperatures — hot and cold spots — in a home create issues beyond discomforts and thermostat haggling. Temperature variances are signs of wasted energy, unbalanced airflow and perhaps air infiltration from one or more sources which contributes to poor indoor-air quality. Preparing for and upgrading to a zoning system can alleviate these issues and deliver optimal home comfort and lower energy bills.

Zoning system basics

A zoning system is comprised of automatic duct doors controlled by a network of thermostats and perhaps a central control panel. The duct doors adjust airflow to each zone to maintain the thermostat settings within the zones.

For best comfort and efficiency, for example, the thermostats are programmed to hours of occupancy in each zone in regards to working hours (off), sleeping hours (bedroom zones on) and perhaps the zone containing a home office is cooled or heated while the other zones are programmed to energy-saving temperature settings.

In essence, a zoning system is a comfort-control system which is custom designed and adjustable to each home and its occupants.

Preparing for a zoning system

To install the most efficient zoning system possible, you may wish to conduct a home energy evaluation, either professional or do-it-yourself, to identify areas that are wasting energy through air leaks, inadequate insulation and more. A buttoned-up home not only maximizes the effectiveness of a zoning system, saves energy and boosts comfort, but it protects building structure, such as sealing and ventilating the attic protects the roof.

Upgrading to a zoning system

When upgrading to a zoning system, your HVAC professional conducts a heat gain/loss calculation (Manual J), and analyzes the results in conjunction with other criteria, including the following:

  • Occupant schedules, temperature preferences and energy-usage habits
  • The home’s orientation to the sun
  • Ceiling heights and open areas
  • Number of floors of living space
  • Floor plan and air circulation (supply outlets and return grilles)
  • Number, size and location of windows
  • Building materials used for retrofitted areas and room additions

If you have any questions about upgrading to a zoning system, contact the HVAC professionals at Stack Heating & Cooling today. We’ve proudly provided homeowners in the greater Cleveland area with exceptional service and system installation since 1976.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Cleveland, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about zoning system and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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