The What and Why of HVAC Zoning in Mansfield, TX

Summer in Mansfield, TX, can be hard to tolerate, especially if your HVAC system can’t cool all parts of your home. If this is a problem you’re facing, HVAC zoning is the solution. With an HVAC zoning system in place, you can regulate the temperature in specific areas or rooms in your home.

What’s HVAC Zoning?

HVAC zoning is the process of separating the duct systems and vents to create different heating and cooling sections. Once zoned, an HVAC system makes it possible to modify the temperature of different sections of the home. This system has motorized dampers in the ductwork that allow you to regulate the temperatures for individual rooms.

Unlike the forced-air systems that have only one thermostat to provide uniform heating and cooling, a zoned HVAC has multiple thermostats. These allow you to create personalized temperature zones, thus providing more comfort and efficiency in your indoor space.

How Does HVAC Zoning Work?

Generally, zoning allows heating and cooling in the rooms that require it while preventing the passage of conditioned air into the rooms that don’t need it. Zoned HVAC systems have various components that allow them to regulate air temperature differently.

The first of these are motorized dampers. Installed either in the ducts or at the air outlet, they work to channel cooled air to the section of the home that requires air conditioning.

The other components are the zone thermostats. These thermostats and their dampers usually sit in the central control panel, which connects them to the HVAC unit’s thermostat. When a specific zone requires cooling, the control panel will keep the damper of this zone open while closing the dampers to the zones that don’t require cooling.

Why Have a Zoning System in Place

Apart from creating customized temperature zones, HVAC zoning has multiple benefits. Read on to learn about them.

Improved Indoor Air Quality

With zoning, the system does not need to use ducts. This reduces the accumulation and circulation of dirt, dust, pet dander and pollen, paving the way to improved indoor air quality. A zoned HVAC system is important, especially if you have household members with asthma, allergies or any other respiratory issues.

Improved Energy Efficiency

Having a zoned HVAC system is a great way to improve energy efficiency, as the entire house won’t be cooling or heating at once. For instance, if you have a two-story house, and you occupy the lower floor the whole day, you can cool the lower floor only and let the upper floor stay warm.

At night when you retire to the upper floor, you can switch the settings, leaving the lower floor warm. Regulating temperature in this fashion during summer and winter will save energy and lower your electricity bills.

HVAC Equipment Longevity

Installing an HVAC system is expensive, and so are the repair costs. Although manufacturers design it to last up to a decade, your HVAC unit may not survive that long owing to the strenuous work it does daily.

By regulating temperatures independently in the house, the air conditioner is less strained, which translates to less wear and tear. Therefore, a zoned HVAC system may have a longer lifespan than the normal HVAC system.

Convenience

Members of your family may have different preferences when it comes to temperature. While your children may prefer a bit of warmth, you may prefer a cool environment. Sorting out these differences with a conventional air conditioning system may not be possible, but with a zoned HVAC system, it’s very possible.

The programmable thermostats installed in individual rooms allow each occupant to regulate the temperature to their liking. If you have a modern HVAC unit, things are even more convenient because the thermostats have remote control capabilities. In fact, with a modern unit, you can do all the configurations right from your smartphone, making life even easier.

Zoning your HVAC system is important, especially at this time of year. You can also install multiple ductless systems to zone your home. It’ll help you save energy costs and keep you comfortable all year round. Contact us at Airmasters AC, Heat, Plumbing & Electrical for zoning and your other HVAC service needs.

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