Control the temperature of each section in your home with zoned air conditioning. This notable technique utilizes dampers within the ductwork to manage and redirect airflow to specific areas. Unlike central AC systems that only use one thermostat, the zone air conditioning system treats each room differently to provide comfort according to your needs.
When it comes to HVAC zoning and AC repairs, you must get an expert’s help. AHWA is one of the most trustworthy AC repair companies across Phoenix, Arizona, and other surrounding areas. To better grasp this kind of setup, continue reading below.
How Does Zoned Air Conditioning Work?
Before anything else, it’s important to prepare the layout of your home. It should be divided into specific sections, which are called zones. There could be two or more zones, depending on your preferences. Each zone comes with its thermostat to control the temperature of the area. Each thermostat is connected to a main control panel. This central hub oversees the operation of all the thermostats.
Now that you understand the relevance of creating zones, it’s time to learn more about the damper, which serves as the instrument to regulate air volume and steer it to a specific section. This movable plate is a pivotal component when it comes to air conditioning zoning because it maintains airflow in different zones. We position it within the air ducts so that it can swiftly adapt to the air needs of a specific area, opening and closing as necessary.
If you’ve got a ductless system, things work a bit differently than with a central AC. In this case, the dampers aren’t in the ducts but are set at the air outlet or air handlers. You’ll usually find these attached to the walls, making it simple to link up with the outdoor pump. And with the refrigerant lines, the air navigates through the walls.
With the air handlers’ location, dampers can easily open. Using the built-in thermostat, each works independently to provide air according to the zone’s call. When the area reaches its desired coolness level, the dampers immediately close.
What are the Factors to Consider?
There are several things to take into account for zoned air conditioning. While trained HVAC personnel from companies like Magnolia Heating and Cooling are ideally the best people to plan this out, you must have an idea of the key features and components beforehand so you can provide them with the proper information before beginning.
Below are the relevant factors to consider in advance:
- The square footage of your home
- The number of zones and how each section is laid out
- The placement and size of the windows
- The insulation capacity of the home
Zoning air conditioning
After assessing these vital aspects, you also need to evaluate the parts used for zoning air conditioning. These are broken down as follows:
- Indoor unit: Serving as the main air conditioning system, the indoor unit is generally placed in the roof cavity. As the primary component, it holds other vital parts such as the heat exchange coil, filters, fans, and remote thermostat.
- Outdoor unit – Located outside, this unit works hand in hand with the indoor system, driving refrigerant between these two units. Additionally, it is tasked to discard the heat acquired from the indoor section. In comparison, the indoor unit carries the compressor as well as the heat exchange coil and fan.
- Vent – The vents are responsible for delivering air to a particular zone. It passes through the ceiling, maintaining the air pressure in your home while also filtering out dust and debris. This comes in various styles, depending on the design that fits your home.
- Control unit – Moving forward, the control unit manages the entire air conditioning system. In general, this wall-mounted unit controller is centrally located. The zone controller, on the other hand, is responsible for monitoring and regulating the scheduled air conditioning unit as well as the zones. Most advanced systems come with their controls for easy access. On top of that, these high-end control units allow you to manage the temperature at your fingertips via smartphones and tablets.
- Sensors – Measuring the temperature of the zones, sensors aim to regulate the cooling levels of a certain area in your home. To effectively manage the temperature, there are specific types of sensors used. These include sensors for pressure, humidity, and air quality, occupancy, among others.
- Dampers – also called zone motors, dampers generally control the amount of airflow that enters a zone. This valve-like component is also utilized to break off the central air conditioning in a vacant area in your home.
- Zones – Aside from the primary parts, it’s also important to evaluate the zones covered by the system. As mentioned earlier, plotting a layout of the zones in advance is a vital step in zoned air conditioners. This way, you get to maximize the space as well as enjoy the maximum benefits of zoned air distribution.
What are the Benefits?
Talking about zone air conditioning, there are several advantages when you zone the HVAC system.
Better performance, especially for second-story house
In terms of efficiency, zoned HVAC is pretty much more efficient in cooling. Many people use this system to make sure their home stays evenly comfortable. Sometimes, certain areas get too hot because there’s only one gadget controlling everything. When you split your home into sections and add the right parts for each section, air can flow freely everywhere, preventing those annoying hot spots.
Lesser energy
Did you know that zone air conditioning uses less energy than a central unit? In a zoned HVAC system, instead of relying on a single central thermostat for the whole space, we use multiple thermostats to control specific areas. This way, we only use energy where it’s needed. You can easily control the temperature of a specific section, hence less energy than having to cool the entire home. Once the area reaches the desired temperature, the air handler maintains the condition.
Lesser utility bills
With less energy, this also signifies lesser utility expenses. Cut down on your electricity expenses by simply adjusting the thermostat for a specific area and turning off the cooling in places that don’t need it. This way, you’ll save money on your electric bills while keeping your spaces comfortable.
Customized cooling temperature
More than its energy efficiency and extra savings, zoned air conditioners offer better control of the cooling aspect of your home. It provides extra comfort because of the multiple thermostats, allowing you to manage the temperature of each area according to your preferences. Ensure everyone’s comfort by allowing them to control the airflow and cooling experience individually through the installation of a zoned air conditioning system.
Cost of Setting up a Zoned Air Conditioning System?
The cost of setting up a zoned air conditioning system can vary depending on several factors such as the size of your home or building, the number of zones you want to create, the type and efficiency of the system, and any additional features or upgrades you may choose.
On average, a zoned air conditioning system installation can range from $3,000 to $10,000 or more. This estimate typically includes the cost of equipment, labor, and any necessary modifications to your existing ductwork or electrical system. Keep in mind that this is a general estimate, and actual costs may differ based on your specific requirements and location.
For a precise cost estimate, it’s best to talk to a reliable HVAC expert. They’ll check out your place, figure out what cooling setup suits you, and then give you a clear, detailed quote. They will consider factors such as the number of zones, the layout of your space, and any unique challenges that may affect the installation process.
Investing in a zoned air conditioning system can offer several benefits, including increased energy efficiency, personalized comfort control, and potential savings on utility bills over time. It’s important to weigh the upfront cost against the long-term advantages to determine if it aligns with your needs and budget.
