What’s Involved in Multi-Zone Heating and Cooling?
With single-speed heating and cooling, your HVAC system heats or cools your entire home to a single set point. There are, of course, disadvantages to this: You may heat or cool unoccupied rooms, and the set point may not correspond with everyone’s sense of comfort. This is where multi-zone heating and cooling can come in.
Ducted Multi-Zone HVAC Systems
The process of creating multiple zones is easy. You get to decide how many zones there are and what each zone covers. For example, in a multi-level home, you could make each level a zone, or you could create more zones within each level. Every room can be a zone if you wish. To every zone, you get a thermostat, and these thermostats connect to a central control panel.
You would then add dampers inside the ductwork. When, with the proper thermostat adjustment, you tell the HVAC system to heat or cool a particular zone, the dampers will open the ducts to that zone while closing off the ducts to the other zones.
The Need for a Variable-Speed System
We can’t recommend zoning off your home if your HVAC system runs at only one speed. The reason is that single-speed systems are meant for a specific square footage. Decreasing that area will create pressure in the ducts and wear out the HVAC system.
Ductless Systems Are Also Multi-Zone Systems
Let’s say you don’t want the hassle of ductwork. Mini-splits will provide the ideal solution, and best of all is that they automatically create multiple zones. Just install an air handler in every room that you want heated and cooled; a thermostat accompanies every air handler. You can link up to eight air handlers to a single compressor.
At Fritch Heating & Cooling, Inc., we’re experts when it comes to installing HVAC systems, both ducted and ductless, and we also perform repairs and maintenance whenever needed in Peoria, IL. Duct installation and indoor air quality systems are just some of our other specialties. Take advantage of our flexible appointment scheduling and call today.