Corona has its fair share of scorching summer days that can send you running indoors, hunkering down in your air-conditioned home. Sometimes, though, it can seem like the AC doesn’t do its job. Some rooms may feel like a sauna while others are cool. This doesn’t just happen in the summer, either. You might notice similar problems with uneven heating when you run your heating system in the winter.
So how do you optimize comfort in your home? The answer often lies in HVAC zoning. Creating zones in your home is a smart, efficient way to customize comfort in every room. It solves the one-size-fits-all approach of traditional thermostats, doesn’t waste energy unnecessarily, and can even help you avoid household arguments relating to thermostat settings.
What is HVAC Zoning and How Does It Work?
A zoned HVAC system divides your house into multiple, independently controlled temperature zones. HVAC technicians install motorized dampers in your existing ductwork. Individual thermostats control each of the dampers, creating the zones. The thermostats open or close the dampers, depending on the settings. Cooled and heated air gets directed to the various zones based on the thermostat settings, unlike a conventional system, where a single thermostat controls the temperature of the entire house.
Some of the benefits of installing a heating system or AC with zoning include:
- Customized comfort
- Reduced energy consumption
- Extended HVAC lifespan
- Increased home value
Benefit #1: Customized Comfort
Achieving true comfort in your home year-round relies on even heating and cooling. By treating each zone in your home as its own environment, whether a second story, finished basement, or every individual room in the house, you ensure every room feels its best. The temperature isn’t affected by natural light or heat rising. Adjustments get made to problematic areas to ensure ultimate comfort.
Benefit #2: Reduced Energy Consumption
Have you ever thought about how much energy is wasted in a traditional, single-thermostat house? It’s more than you might think, especially when you’re heating or cooling unoccupied spaces. Zoned HVAC systems use energy more wisely, which is evident when you get your utility bills. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), zoned heating and cooling can result in energy savings of up to 30% in some cases, depending on home size and usage patterns.
You could increase your home’s energy savings by installing a ductless system or installing a new HVAC system. However, many homeowners find that adding zoning to their existing system gives them the energy savings they’re looking for with increased home comfort.
Benefit #3 – Extended HVAC Lifespan
Single-zone systems experience more wear and tear than zoned systems because they’re responsible for providing climate control to the entire house. With a zoned system, the HVAC unit runs in shorter, more efficient cycles, which puts less stress on critical system components like the compressor and blower motor. Less stress translates to fewer repairs and can significantly extend the life of the sentence.
Benefit #4 – Increased Home Value
Another benefit you might not think about is the value a zoned HVAC system can add to your home. If you’re thinking of selling your home, a zoned system could make it more attractive to buyers. Buyers appreciate smart features in homes like zoned systems. Add smart thermostats to your home to add more value and use your zoned systems as efficiently as possible.
Control Your Home’s Comfort Better
You can’t argue the benefits of a zoned HVAC system: increased comfort, lower energy bills, and a longer-lasting system. Although there are some initial upfront costs involved, over time, you save more. An HVAC zoned system is a great home upgrade for Corona homeowners who prioritize their home’s climate control and want to spend less on monthly utility costs.
At Sheldon's Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we want to help you get the most out of your home’s HVAC systems with premier heating and cooling services. Our qualified HVAC technicians can walk you through how a zoned system can work for your home and budget. We can also help you with other HVAC concerns like air conditioning repair, heat pump installation, and more. Our customer-first mentality means everything we do, we do with you in mind.
Contact Sheldon's Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing today to learn more about HVAC zoning systems!
