Understanding which zone control method works best for your home can be complex—but it doesn’t have to be. If you live in an older, multi-floor home, you’ve likely run into issues controlling the temperature throughout. Almost all of us have experienced this from time to time, whether it’s a drafty room or an upstairs floor that fails to get cool in the summer or warm in the winter.
Although this is a common problem, zone control can help homeowners gain control of their comfort while saving on future energy bills. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners could save around 30% with proper HVAC circulation.
How does zone control work?
A zoned system is designed to independently heat or cool more than one space within your home, enabling better circulation and temperature control. This can be accomplished by modulating the airflow or air temperature flowing into each conditioned space. With The Unico System, there are several methods of zoning, depending on the number of units and level of control required.
So, what are the different methods for zone control?
1. Zoning with multiple units
This method is the most popular among homeowners with multiple floors due to its unlimited capability. Each unit conditions a separate floor and has its own thermostat, providing homeowners with simplicity and consistent temperature.
2. Zoning with a single unit
There are three different systems by which units operate, and each comes with its pros and cons. Matching your home’s unique needs with the right technology can maximize time, savings, and overall comfort. In all zoning systems, dampers play a critical role due to their ability to direct airflow, helping to regulate temperature within the HVAC system.
Here’s how each of these systems operate:
Hydronic systems
These systems use hot and chilled water to disperse heating and cooling throughout each space. They are the easiest to zone and pose no risk to coils freezing. It can get noisy when reducing the airflow, but a bypass damper can reduce the noise and recirculate the airflow.
Refrigerant systems
These systems are the hardest to zone as they pose risks to coils freezing and high discharge pressure, but ensuring the number of open outlets remains constant will help direct airflow and keep the system functioning properly.
Electric Duct Heater systems
Electric duct heaters are equipped to perform in areas with low airflow by converting electricity into heat through resistance. These systems serve as an energy-efficient solution by automatically distributing heat as needed, allowing rooms to heat up and maintain a comfortable temperature.
3. Zoning a single area with multiple units
When hosting parties and other gatherings at home, there may be concern on how the room will feel as more people fill in. Depending on the size of the space, installing multiple units throughout the room will help maintain the temperature—no matter how crowded the space gets.
Are you ready to maximize savings, limit energy use, and gain control of your comfort? Every home has its unique challenges, but a little bit of planning can go a long way. Contact our design services team free of charge to learn which of these three-zone control methods will best suit the needs of your home.
