a tall building in a city

The Reliable
Blog

Why Zoning Systems May Be the Answer to Hot and Cold Spots at Home

If you notice hot and cold spots at home, you might think there is a problem with insulation or ductwork. Both these theories are worth exploring. However, sometimes homes without air leaks have problems maintaining the temperature in different rooms and floors. In this case, you need a way to maintain comfort levels in specific areas. Here is a look at zone controls and how they can make your home a more comfortable place.

How Zoning Systems Work

When builders install one HVAC system to provide comfort for a multi-floor home in Georgia, there is potential for rooms upstairs or downstairs to feel hotter and colder than others. The reason is the lack of thermostats to monitor the temperature in each location. Without an accurate read of the temperature in each room, there is no way to provide comfort to that part of the home.

Zoning systems give your HVAC system the ability to read different thermostats and heat or cool these parts of the house accordingly. The system operates by sending air through openings in ductwork to address the needs of one or two rooms that make up a specific zone. Rather than altering the temperature in your entire home to address a comfort level in one area, you simply address the individual zone in question.

Energy Savings, Comfort Upgrades

HVAC zone controls work best in homes where there are no major air leaks. When you are providing more heated or cooled air to areas with leaks, you waste a considerable amount of energy and money. The decision to try zoning controls should come after leaks in ductwork and the building envelope have been addressed.

In some cases, homes are built without taking into consideration the heating and cooling needs of upper floors. Rooms with direct sunlight will feel much hotter than rooms shaded by large trees in the summer. Once cold weather arrives, the opposite effect kicks in and the direct light feels warmer than the shaded area. Neither issue is related to the HVAC system, but both can be controlled with the use of thermostats and zoning systems.

Other Efficiency Upgrades

While zone controls will offer a major efficiency boost for some homeowners, there are other steps to take if you would like to save money and energy at home. Here are options to consider.

  • Replacing a water heater. Old-fashioned tank water heaters are notorious for wasting energy. Instead of keeping this large tank of water heated at all times, consider a tankless heater that acts only when hot water is needed. Heat pump systems are another energy-efficient option with available state rebates when you want to upgrade your water heater.
  • Programmable thermostats. Thermostats that work around your family's schedule provide a much more efficient system of climate control. You can operate a programmable thermostat from your smartphone and make sure you aren't wasting money on heating and cooling when no one is home.
  • HVAC maintenance. Maybe the easiest way to improve home performance is regular HVAC system maintenance. Technicians will make sure the fans and belts are running correctly and the filters are clean for efficient use when they give your system a tuneup. This type of maintenance prolongs the life of HVAC equipment.

If you are experiencing hot and cold spots at home, zoning systems may be the solution. Let Reliable Heating and Air diagnose your home's problem and help with efficiency upgrades today.

Image source: Flickr