And by using a zoning system, you’ll reduce energy consumption and wear and tear on your HVAC equipment.
A zoning system provides customized temperature control for each zone (one or more rooms or areas) in your home. A zoning system is a network of automatic duct doors that regulate airflow for each respective zone, based on the thermostat set point for the zone.
Keep these five tips in mind when working with your HVAC professional to design a home zoning system that is sure to please everyone, help your HVAC equipment last longer through reduced use and help you save energy -- and get more money in your wallet:
- Install programmable thermostats for each zone for additional convenience, comfort and energy savings. Install the thermostat in the area of each zone that is most often occupied. Do not install thermostats in direct sunlight, near air-supply registers, in hallways or near access doors, including a garage access door, or you may get false temperature readings.
- If you have more than one level of living space, contain your zones within the same floor. Warm air rises, and zones that encompass more than one level won't achieve comfort or efficiency.
- Rooms with windows that receive a lot of sun should not be grouped with rooms that receive little sunlight. Even if you use room-darkening window coverings, sun-facing rooms have very different heat gain/loss properties.
- Make certain that each zone utilizes a minimum of two air-supply registers. This ensures adequate airflow for balanced air pressure and circulation, which impacts energy efficiency and HVAC equipment capacity.
- Rooms with different construction materials, such as room additions and remodeled portions of your home, should be grouped in a separate zone than the originally constructed home, in order to avoid thermal variances that accompany different construction materials and insulation values.
With these zoning system design principles in hand, you’ll be better involved and knowledgable about your home project. Call Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning for professional and friendly service. We serve homeowners in the Route 495/128 area of Medway MA.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about zoning systems and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Solutions Guide.
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