How Dual Zoning Heating and Cooling Works

Benefits of a Dual-Zone HVAC System

Residents of Marin County and Santa Rosa know what it is to deal with temperatures that can vary greatly even within the same 24-hour period. With hot summers and winter temperatures that can average as low as just above freezing, having an HVAC system that can keep you home at an optimal temperature year-round is essential.



​However, you have likely encountered at least a few of the following problems:

• Blasting the heater or air conditioner just to get the living room to a livable temperature while other areas of your house overheat or freeze
• Trying to achieve a compromise to accommodate every family member's temperature preference
• Seeing the energy bills rise without a clear idea of why

 
If you find yourself struggling to figure out the perfect thermostat setting that will keep all areas of your house at a comfortable temperature, dual zoning HVAC can be the solution you need. Such a system allows you to implement better temperature control throughout your home. As with a regular system, you will get the most out of your multi-zone if you regularly schedule cleanings and change the HVAC air filters.

Understanding Dual Zoning

​Your regular system connects to a thermostat that senses the ambient temperature and turns the heating or cooling mechanism on based on the settings you enter. A multi-zone systems includes several thermostats, temperature sensors and dampers. This setup allows you to keep different areas in your home at different temperatures. 

Determining if You Need Multi-Zone HVAC

Not every home will gain substantial benefit from installing a dual-zone system. Some relevant factors include:

• Multiple stories
• Attic or basement spaces
• Areas of the home that get hotter or colder than the rest of the house

 
Another issue to consider is whether some rooms are not in frequent use, making it less of a priority to establish comfortable temperatures there. You may also have someone in your family with particular temperature needs. These factors affect whether installing a multi-zone HVAC makes sense for you, as well as the optimal placement of thermostats and sensors. 

Figuring out the Advantages of Multi-Zoning

​Installing a dual-zone HVAC can improve your life in several ways:

• More comfortable temperatures in the areas where you need them
• Better energy efficiency
• Lower power bills
• Less wear and tear on your HVAC components, as zoning helps them operate more efficiently
• More control over temperatures in specific locations

 
Multi-zone heating and cooling prevents your system from working overtime in areas that do not need it. For example, you can optimize temperatures on the main floor of the house in the early evening when family members are up and about. Later, you can have temperature control on in the bedrooms without continuing to spend energy on heating or cooling the empty main floor.

Consulting the experienced professionals at Next Level HVAC can help you better understand how you can optimize your system for your needs. For more information on how to install a dual-zone HVAC system, call u at (707) 228-9921 or fill out our online estimate request form. You can also find us on Facebook and LinkedIn; subscribing to our blog will help you get updates and information on a variety of HVAC topics and services.