Wednesday 12 March 2014

When and why would you require a Zoning System

Different areas of the house may have different temperature requirements as do members living in the residence. What may be hot to one member may be cold to another. Heat has a tendency to rise up which leaves the main floor cool and the floor above it hot. Apart from this, windows located to the south absorb too much sun, making certain rooms unpleasantly hot, while the northerly winds make some rooms feel uncomfortably cool.

Add some of modern day’s most desired features, and the problem gets even worse. Cathedral or vaulted ceilings, large glass expanses, solariums, finished basements, lofts — they all can cause room temperatures to fluctuate dramatically. Expecting a single thermostat to control variations throughout the house is next to impossible. This is the reason why we need something that can regulate room temperature to make it more comfortable.

There's only one way to even out the problem, through system zoning.

What is system zoning?

System zoning is a simple process. It involves fixing several thermostats wired to a control panel that operates a number of dampers in the forced air cooling or heating system. The thermostats continuously read the temperature of their particular zone, then close or open the dampers inside the ductwork as per the thermostat's settings. System zoning is not only helpful for houses that have inconsistent room temperatures, but is also a good option for cooling or heating individual rooms based on the preferred temperature setting.

Why Is it Needed?

Owners will require system zoning in their houses if one or more of the conditions exist:
  • There are huge, open areas like lofts or vaulted ceilings, a solarium, or an atrium
  • The house has more than one floor
  • There are rooms in the attic or basement
  • There are rooms with extensive glass areas
  • Cooling and heating temperature patterns tend to vary at different hours of the day
  • A part of the house has been built on a concrete floor
  • The house has wings spreading off the living area

The Benefits:

Energy efficient:

If utilized in a proper manner, system zoning can help save a lot of money on the energy bills. In fact, it is believed that system zoning can save owners approximately 30 percent on a normal cooling and heating bill. These savings can certainly add up to a heavy sum. Also, because seldom-used rooms and guest rooms don't require continuous cooling or heating, system zoning helps save on unnecessary bills by running temperature-controlled air only when it is needed.

Comfort:

Every floor or room in the house has its own temperature needs. The zoning system removes cold and hot spots from every area of the house, making it more comfortable, regardless of its type, design or size.

Most homeowners are unwilling or hesitant of using programmable thermostats because of the initial fee of installation. This is certainly an understandable concern. However, if they focus on the bigger picture, they will realize the long term financial benefits. It is also very important to get the installation done by a professional. There are several providers that offer superior air quality solutions that cater to varying budgets. The best way to find out about such providers is to search online. Most companies have websites displaying their services and products. Home owners can round off to the one that best suits their budget and needs, after getting a quote from at least four providers.

Whether you're building a new house or are updating your house to be more energy-efficient, healthy, and sustainable, using a zoning system will certainly help you achieve this goal.

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