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Cool air inside your home keeps your living space comfortable during the hot summer months. However, upgrading your home to a zoned cooling system has various benefits that make it a great choice over traditional HVAC systems. Here, we’ll explain the different types of zoned systems, explore their benefits, and give some extra tips for optimal performance.
Zoned Cooling Explained
Traditional HVAC systems consider the home a single zone. You set the temperature on the thermostat for your entire home. The only control you have over different zones is by manually closing vents. However, zone control allows you to adjust the temperature in different zones of your home rather than a single temperature for the entire home. Zoned cooling systems come in several different types.
Damper Systems
Dampers are small valves or plates that are installed in the ductwork of a traditional HVAC system. By installing these, the temperature in different zones can be regulated by adjusting the airflow with the dampers. Dampers are good if you have a traditional HVAC system and want to upgrade the existing ductwork.
Ductless Multi-Split System
Ductless mini-split HVAC systems have a different design from traditional systems. No dampers are necessary since these systems don’t require ductwork. Instead, multiple interior units are installed in different zones of the home. Each interior unit has a refrigerant line that connects it to the main outdoor unit. These interior units have independent temperature and airflow control.
Typically, homeowners install one interior unit in the main living area of the home. They also install a unit in each bedroom. Finally, if you have a larger home with other rooms that are frequently used, they may also have interior units installed in them.
Smart Thermostats
A smart thermostat isn’t a type of zoned cooling system. However, one can be used with either a damper system or a mini-split system for better zone control and functionality. Smart thermostats allow homeowners to adjust temperatures remotely and set usage schedules in different zones. Additionally, some smart thermostats can learn your usage preferences over time and adjust settings automatically for optimal performance.
Benefits of Zoned Cooling
There are some differences between ducted HVAC systems with dampers installed and ductless mini-split HVAC systems. Each has specific advantages. However, both zoned cooling systems have various advantages over non-zoned systems.
Custom Comfort Overhaul
A zoned cooling system’s ability to have each zone have different temperature and airflow settings allows more flexibility and customization. Occupants of your home don’t need to compromise on a single temperature setting. Instead, an occupant in a specific zone can adjust settings to match their preferences.
Energy-Saving Efficiency
Zoned systems are typically more energy efficient than traditional HVAC systems without zone control capability. Ductless mini-splits tend to be even more energy efficient than HVAC systems with dampers. Regardless of which zoned cooling system you choose, the energy efficiency will be reflected in lower energy bills when compared to non-zoned systems.
Maintenance Made Easy
Because zoned systems are more efficient, maintenance tends to be easier. While maintenance is still required to keep a system working at maximum efficiency, overworked cooling systems without zoning will need more frequent maintenance. Mini-split systems have the easiest maintenance requirements because they don’t have extensive ductwork that requires cleaning.
Repair Reductions
The efficiency of a zoned cooling system helps reduce the frequency of needed repairs. The reduced workload of the cooling system helps to reduce stress on essential components. The lower wear and tear on cooling system components also helps mitigate the severity of problems when they occur.
Longer System Lifespan
The reduced stress on your system from zoned cooling efficiency helps increase the lifespan of your system. Traditional HVAC units that don’t have zoning capability have shorter lifespans due to the harder work they must do to cool a home. The longer lifespan of a zoned cooling system makes it a cost-effective investment.
Reduced Carbon Footprint
If you take pride in having a home that is environmentally friendly, a zoned system is great. Due to their generally lower energy consumption, these systems reduce the carbon footprint of your home. Additionally, the lower stress on your system means that a refrigerant leak is less likely to occur.
Overall Noise Reduction
With zoned cooling systems, you aren’t always cooling the entire home at the same time. This reduction in work means that the overall noise of your cooling system is reduced. Ductless mini-splits are known for running quieter than traditional systems, so they can help further reduce operational noise.
Remote Operation
Remote controls often come with ductless mini-split HVAC systems, so you can control each indoor unit with ease. You can also set up some HVAC systems with dampers to be controlled with a smart device like a phone or tablet. By being able to control the settings of your HVAC system remotely, you no longer need to get up and walk to the thermostat.
Incentives and Rebates
Savings on your energy bill are a great financial benefit of a zoned system. However, another financial advantage of an energy-efficient zoned cooling system is the rebates and tax incentives. These tax incentives and rebates are offered to homeowners so that they can do their part to reduce the load on the power grid and help the environment.
Property Value
Installing a modern zoned cooling system in your home can help increase your property value. These efficient systems are attractive to potential home buyers. Additionally, homeowners considering refinancing their mortgage can also benefit from the increased property value.
Additional Tips for Best Performance
Zoned cooling systems are a great choice for the numerous reasons mentioned above. Here are some additional tips to get the most out of a zoned system.
Turn off Unused Zones
To drastically save on energy usage and lower your energy bills, don’t cool zones if they aren’t occupied. Close the dampers or turn off interior units in unused zones. Also, make sure to close the doors to these zones. Less energy is needed if you are reducing the area that you need to cool at any given time.
Well-Insulated Home
The efficiency of a zoned system can be going to waste if you have areas where cool air is leaking out of your home. Make sure potential leaks are sealed, especially if you have a system that requires ductwork. Additionally, ensure your home and ductwork are sufficiently insulated to minimize energy usage.
Regular Maintenance
As mentioned, maintenance is vital to keeping any HVAC system performing at its best. However, you don’t want to wait to have your system maintained until you notice efficiency issues. To extend the lifespan of your zoned cooling system and all of the benefits that come with it, schedule ongoing regular maintenance with a trusted and experienced HVAC company.
Do you live in Sacramento, CA or the surrounding area and want a zoned cooling system in your home? Atticman Heating and Air Conditioning, Insulation can help with our extensive HVAC services. We offer new installation, upgrades, maintenance, and repair services for all types of cooling systems, including ductless mini-splits. We also work with heating systems, whole-house fans, water heaters, electrical wiring, and more. For your next installation project, financing options are available on qualified approval. Contact Atticman Heating and Air Conditioning, Insulation today for more information about any of our services!
