The problem could be the result of a single thermostat that controls the temperature throughout the entire house. Upgrading to a thermostat zoning system is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to solve this problem. Zoning systems can also help you save on your energy bills.
The main reason that cold (and possibly hot) zones occur is that your furnace or boiler generally distributes conditioned air or heated water evenly to all parts of your home, even though certain areas might need more heat or cooling than others. Factors such as windows that allow for more heat to transfer in and out of a room, or the simple fact that heat rises, will mean that there will almost always be parts of a home that are naturally colder or warmer than others. Zoning systems circumvent these problems by dividing the home into several zones, with each one controlled by its own thermostat.
With each thermostat in control of a smaller area, energy is distributed according to the needs of that particular zone. This helps to compensate for factors such as windows or cathedral ceilings that increase or decrease the heating load required by your furnace.
Zoning systems also offer choice: you can set different temperatures in each zone. Instead of having to agree on one ideal temperature, the occupants of each area have the freedom to decide the thermostat's setting. For example, Mom can have the downstairs living room 4 degrees cooler than the kids playing upstairs.
Zoning systems use your current HVAC system’s components so the installation is a relatively quick, simple process. The system requires several thermostats, a control panel, and dampers for the ductwork, with minor ductwork modification required at times. Hot water boiler systems can be more difficult to zone but certainly provide a return on the investment.
To learn more about the many advantages that zoned temperature controls provide, contact Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. We have served Massachusetts for more than 80 years.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about zoning systems and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Solutions Guide.
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