With a standard HVAC system, you can only control the temperature of your Portland home as a whole unit. If you would like more flexibility in controlling your home’s temperature while saving energy, you may want to consider a zoning system.
How a Zoning System Operates
Zoning systems divide a home into two or more sections or “zones,” each of which can have its temperature controlled independently from the others. In a forced-air system, special electronically controlled dampers open or close to control the volume of conditioned air that enters a zone, according to the current temperature and the thermostat settings. In water-based systems, electronically-controlled valves adjust the flow of hot or cold water to your radiator, baseboard or radiant floor system.
The Advantages of a Zoning System
With multiple zones, you can customize the temperature in each zone to accommodate the preferences of multiple people or to compensate for areas that are warmer or cooler than the rest of your home. You can also save energy by reducing the heating or cooling in rarely-used rooms, or by adjusting the temperature based on current occupancy. For instance, during the daytime, the bedrooms could be cooled or heated less, while the occupied living areas remain at your preferred temperature. By automating the temperature changes with a programmable thermostat for each zone, you can reduce your energy usage by up to 30 percent.
Where Zoning Systems Work Best
Almost any house is a good candidate for a zoning system, but they work especially well in homes that feature the following:
- Living spaces in areas that are difficult to condition, such as basements, attics, sun rooms, lofts or garage living spaces
- Rooms used only periodically, such as offices or libraries
- New additions
- Multiple large windows or doors
- Multiple stories
- Hot or cold spots
Zoning systems can be installed in nearly any home, but it’s easier to install them when the house is built, when the existing HVAC system is replaced or during large renovation projects.
For more information about installing a zoning system, talk to the HVAC experts at Roth Heating & Cooling.
