What Should You Know About Zoning Systems in HVAC?

Energy Savings With Zoning HVACs in Oregon

An HVAC zoning system uses different zones to offer custom temperature control in each area of your Oregon home or business. If you have a large residential or commercial property or your property is multi-level, a zoned HVAC system allows people in different areas of the property to independently control the temperature in their zone. Here is your ultimate guide to understanding zoned HVAC systems, the possibility of increased comfort and energy savings with zoning, and how zoning can improve HVAC efficiency.

What Is a Zoned HVAC System?

A zoned HVAC system offers custom temperature control in different zones, levels, or areas of your home or business. A zoned system uses dampers to direct airflow to the specific zones, and each zone has its own thermostat. The dampers open or close to allow heated or cooled air in as the thermostat is adjusted. There are two types of zoned HVAC systems: ducted and ductless. A ducted system uses your existing HVAC ductwork, and ductless systems use mini splits installed in each zone.

How Do You Know if You Need a Zoned System?

Installing a zoned HVAC system can improve HVAC efficiency, lower energy bills, and enhance the comfort of the people living or working on your property. A zoned system offers custom temperature control to keep specific rooms or areas at a consistent temperature. You can target specific areas of your property with unique heating and cooling needs and cater to them rather than trying to keep your entire property at one temperature. You should consider installing a zoned system if:

• You have a large or multi-level home with hot or cold spots or extreme temperature fluctuations.
• You have a big household with varying temperature preferences.
• You have pets or animals that require specific temperatures that aren’t necessary for others in the building.
• You need to carefully maintain the temperature of specific areas to protect electronics, artwork, food or beverages, medication, equipment, or other items.
• Certain areas of your home or commercial property have increased solar heat gain or drafts due to large windows, garage doors, warehouse doors, or frequent foot traffic in and out.
• You have a large residential or commercial property, and some rooms are rarely or never used.
• You have a large residential or commercial property with poor insulation or limited upkeep in certain areas, allowing for dramatic temperature swings.

How Are Zoned HVAC Systems Designed?

Before designing a zoned HVAC system, a team of experienced HVAC technicians will do a full evaluation of your property. They will assess its size and any factors that could influence the efficiency of your heating and cooling system. They will also talk to you and other residents, facilities or property managers, and operations managers to get a clear sense of the individual heating and cooling needs, room occupancies and usage, and your property’s daily lifestyle or workflow. They will also assess each room or zone’s airflow and sun exposure. Next, they will evaluate your existing ductwork and determine where dampers, thermostats, and control panels need to be installed. They will go over any retrofitting needs. If you don’t have ductwork, they will determine where mini splits should be installed.

How Zoned HVAC Systems Offer Improved HVAC Efficiency

Because zoned HVAC systems offer improved energy efficiency, you can achieve significant energy savings with zoning. Zoned HVAC systems:

• Reduce energy consumption by only heating or cooling spaces that are occupied or in use.
• Lower the stress and strain on your HVAC system by reducing its workload and helping it operate more efficiently.
• Allow for custom temperature control so that each room is maintained at a consistent temperature rather than trying to heat or cool a whole property to the same temperature.
• Can be adjusted to allow for solar heat gain and changing heating and cooling demands throughout the day.
• Prevent overuse of your HVAC system, which means less wear and tear, fewer repairs, reduced risk of needing emergency repairs, and a longer lifespan for your HVAC system.

Evaluating the Cost of a Zoned HVAC System

The cost of designing and installing a zoned HVAC system will depend on several factors. In general, a single-zone HVAC installation is around $5,000-8,000. A two-zone HVAC installation is around $11,000-14,000. Installation of an HVAC system with three or more zones is typically $15,000 and up. The most important determining factors are:

• The size of your residential or commercial property.
• The number of zones and dampers needed.
• The existing ductwork or lack of ductwork.
• The occupancy level of your property.
• The age and condition of your property.

Hire a Qualified HVAC Contractor for a Zoned System

At Oregon Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer professional, reliable HVAC services for residential and commercial customers. We have years of experience evaluating our customers’ heating and cooling needs. We can assess your home or business, evaluate your existing system, and determine if it would be more energy-efficient and cost-effective for you to install a new HVAC system on your property.

We can also help you determine if installing a zoned HVAC system is right for your home or business. We can work with you to design a zoned HVAC system that improves comfort throughout your property, maximizes energy efficiency and cost savings, and allows for custom temperature control in each zone. Call us now or contact us online to schedule a consultation for a zoned HVAC system installation in Beaverton, Portland, Hillsboro, Lake Oswego, Tualatin, Tigard, Sherwood, Wilsonville, Newberg, Dundee, Yamhill, Carlton, and Forest Grove, OR.