Air conditioning is used in more than 100 million U.S. homes to create a more comfortable and enjoyable environment. Many utilize the efficient whole-house HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning) that sets a single temperature for the entire house. HVAC uses a series of air ducts that distribute air that has been heated or cooled throughout the entire house. While this can be effective and efficient, there are some significant drawbacks to this type of system. To deliver a more customizable and comfortable HVAC experience, a Zone Control System should be used.
What is a Zone Control System?
A Zone Control System operates on the premise that allows a household to setup different temperature “zones” instead of one set temperature for the entire household. The system is set up with the same air ducts used in a whole-house HVAC system with a few additional features. The system includes a central control panel, electric air duct dampers, and thermostats for each specified zone that is to be setup. All the thermostats and air duct dampers are wired to the central control panel and when a thermostat is adjusted, the information is relayed through the central control panel to the necessary damper to either increase or decrease the airflow to achieve the desired temperature of that specific zone.
Problems Solved
There are some great benefits for installing and using a Zone Control System. For example, individuals of the same household may not agree upon a single temperature for the entire house, second story rooms tend to run warmer because heat rises and basements or lower levels tend to be cooler so there is level of unmanaged temperature control between levels of the household, and rooms used more frequently or in direct sunlight for part of the day tend to be warmer. Based upon these typical problems, a whole-house HVAC system might not be the best option. With a Zone Control System, those issues easily become managed. Upper level rooms can be set slightly cooler to offset the rising heat. Lower level rooms can be set slightly warmer to insure a consistent temperature. Different bedroom areas of a house can be set individually to appease each individual. With a Zone Control
System, individuals can set a lower temperature for rooms used more frequently or in direct sunlight for some part of the day. Also, being able to set the temperature of rooms that are not used as frequently greatly improves the energy efficiency of the HVAC system and by controlling the use of the HVAC, it reduces the strain and can ultimately extend the life of the HVAC system in the household.
By installing a Zone Control System, it allows for a completely customizable household climate, solving the uncomfortable temperature issues that arise from households with more than one level, large open areas or vaulted ceilings, finished rooms in the basement or attic, rooms with direct sunlight or large glass areas, or even just individuals with different temperature preferences. A Zone Control System is the perfect solution for unnecessary and uncomfortable temperature spots that cannot be managed efficiently by a single temperature control. By customizing the heating and cooling needs of the household, homeowners are able to cut back on their energy consumption while making their home even more comfortable. In the end, HVAC comes down to comfort and preferences and unless an individual is living alone, it cannot be guaranteed that all individuals of a household will be comfortable at the same temperature.
