The Benefits of a Zoned Heating System

In an ideal world, a building would heat up evenly in the winter and cool down evenly in the summer. This doesn’t happen, however, because many things affect the temperature of a particular area. Factors that can influence a room’s temperature include:

• the direction the windows face
• the number of heat-producing appliances in a room
• the amount of insulation
• the amount of shade

Zoned heating provides a solution to unpleasant temperature variations within a building. Here is how.

Basics of a Zoned Heating System

What is Zone Heating?

Traditional home heating systems push the same amount of heated air through all vents in the building. Zone heating allows you to control the amount of heat entering individual zones of a building or home, which gives you more control over the temperature in each space.

How does Zoned heating work?

A zoned heating system uses motorized dampers within ductwork or valves within hydronic heating systems. These dampers or valves open or close according to the signals received from the system’s master control panel, which can be considered the brain of the system. Each designated zone has its own thermostat, and these are connected to the system’s master control. Different valves or dampers open or close according to the data received from each thermostat, respectively.

Benefits of Using Zoned Heating

Energy Savings

Many heating systems direct the same amount of heating throughout the home or business. This wastes energy because some areas don’t require the same amount of added heat as colder rooms. By channeling more heat to these colder areas and less heat to warmer areas — such as sunlit southwestern rooms or upper floors — you save energy. Saved energy leads to lower heating bills.

Increased Comfort

Zoned heating helps eliminate the problem of temperature variations that is so common with single-zone residential heating systems or commercial buildings. You will be able to say goodbye to unpleasantly chilly rooms or overly heated areas. Having control over the temperature in each zone equals increased comfort throughout your home.

For commercial heating needs, the value can go beyond physical comfort. Zoned heating can mean using less heat in areas with heat-sensitive equipment, machinery and products.

Quiet Heating

When a traditional single-zone heating system cycles on to blast warmed air into the entire building, the process is noisy because the system has to work hard to force all of that air throughout a large space. Since a zoned system directs heat only where it is desired at any given time, the sudden loud sound is avoided. Instead, it works quietly in the background channeling warmed air through different vents as needed.

Increased Lifespan of Heating System

Single-zone HVAC systems are often overworked to compensate for cold areas in the home, and the frequent cycling on and off produces wear-and-tear on the heating elements and fans. Zoned systems operate more smoothly, which produces less strain on these parts. This means these systems usually last years longer than their single-zone counterparts do.

Whether you are ready to make the switch to a zoned system or you need assistance with your current system, give LIBERTYAIR a call today. We proudly offer professional Gainesville heating repair services and installation for homes and businesses.