Your family is growing, and you need more room, but you may also be worried about rising energy costs. Whether you’re moving into a two-story home or adding on to your current residence, you should know about zoned heating and cooling.

What is a Zoned Heating and Cooling System?

Simply put, a zoned heating and cooling system allows you to condition the air in different sections of your home on separate controls. A zoned system distributes air to separate sections of your home based on the needs of each space.

So, a hot upper story will get more air conditioning than your cooler first-floor family room. And rooms with north-facing windows can stay toasty warm during long winter nights.

Separate controls increases comfort for family members who prefer cooler or warmer temperatures. It can also allow you to reduce the cost of conditioning the little-used areas of your home.

How Does Zoned Heating and Cooling Work?

Zoned heating and cooling is accomplished by electronic controls on dampers installed in your system ductwork.

With a thermostat located in each zone, the system can target which area of the home requires heated or cooled air. These thermostats control the dampers to direct airflow based on the settings for each space.

In this way, you can set bedroom temperatures for better sleep quality. You can also save on utility bills by changing the settings on empty rooms.

Benefits of Zoned Heating and Cooling

The ability to control temperature and humidity in each area of your home provides many benefits.

More efficient energy usage

With a zoned HVAC system, you can reduce usage in unoccupied areas of your home. Programmable thermostats can also vary the settings throughout the day. In that way, rooms are only conditioned during the hours you’re home and the rooms are occupied.

Customized comfort

Zoned HVAC systems allow different temperature settings for different individuals in your home. It’s particularly helpful when you have very young or elderly family members who need a narrow temperature range.

Better conditioned air distribution

Most houses have hot and cold spots, but a zoned system can monitor air distribution more widely and respond appropriately.

Increased home value

Energy-efficient homes boast lower utility costs, which is a major selling point and adds to the value of your home. You’ll even find government incentive programs for financing energy efficiency upgrades.

Can You Add Zones to an Existing HVAC System?

While zoned HVAC systems were once only added to new construction in large, expensive homes, new technology has changed that. Advances in electronic control systems now let any homeowner enjoy the increased comfort and savings of zoned heating and cooling.

Make an appointment now with the experts at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning in Chattanooga. They can assess your existing system and show you how easy it is to make this eco-friendly upgrade to your home.