Zoning

Get in the zone

Finding a temperature everyone can agree upon can be a continuous battle in most homes. Traditional HVAC systems that use one thermostat to control the temperature of the entire home can leave some rooms too stuffy or too hot, with others feeling like the inside of a deep freezer. In a typical scenario with whole-home temperature control, basements are left cold, attics and second floors too hot, and families are left battling for control of the temperature in the main living area.

If this sounds like an accurate description of the climate inside your home, it’s probably a good candidate for zoned temperature control. With zoning, instead of controlling the temperature of the entire home with one central thermostat, various areas are set up on their own thermostat, allowing customized temperature control—and greater balance and comfort.

Here’s how it works:

Zoning uses a series of thermostats and duct dampers serving a single HVAC system to eliminate hot and cold spots. By restricting airflow of dampers to areas not in use, homeowners can enjoy increased comfort, designating temperatures to various portions of the home based on specific requirements.

With zoning, homeowners can heat or cool the areas where they spend the most time, rather than trying to heat and cool the entire home equally.

Zoning saves money, too

In addition to increased comfort, installing a zoning system in your home can also cut energy costs by as much as 25 percent. By regulating airflow to areas based on need, overheated and over-cooled areas are eliminated, improving energy efficiency and stretching the capacity of the HVAC system.

With zoning, energy use can be tailored to your lifestyle. Plus, combining a zoning system with a programmable thermostat, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, can save even more: up to 30 percent off monthly heating and cooling costs.

Is zoning right for your home?

Zoning is especially effective in homes with multiple levels, sprawling designs, finished basements, attic spaces, additions, large glass windows, vaulted ceilings, lofts or large open areas such as an atrium or solarium.

It’s ideal for use in areas such as:

  • A home office that needs extra conditioning during the day, and none at night
  • Rarely used guest rooms that need little heating or cooling
  • Upstairs bedrooms (high heat in the summer requires additional air conditioning)
  • A family room or main living area (high-activity areas that need extra air conditioning)
  • A patio room that is too cold in the winter, and too hot in the summer
  • Any portion of the home built over a concrete floor
  • A bonus room built over the garage
  • Finished rooms in a basement or attic
  • Any home with more than one level

Ready to take control of your home comfort? Powers Heating & Air can provide you with an estimate for ZONING your home to put an end to thermostat wars. By directing airflow only to desired areas (up to four zones), it offers homeowners the ultimate in comfort and temperature control.