HVAC zoning systems have picked up quite a bit of popularity over the years. Battling to prevent high energy bills and the thermostat can be frustrating especially if you have multiple people living in the house. This only leaves you with the option to use the HVAC unit constantly at thermostat settings that lead to higher heating or cooling bills. HVAC zoning helps you avoid that but it should only be installed by skilled HVAC repair services.
Below are the pros and cons of HVAC zoning systems to help you make an informed decision if you are planning to spend some money.
What Are HVAC Zoning Systems?
Before we can dive into the pros and cons of HVAC zoning systems, you should understand the concept first so that you are aware of how the entire thing works. As the term suggests, HVAC zoning systems allow you to adjust different temperatures in different areas or zones of the house.
For instance, your house can have two or more zones with each containing one or two rooms. With the help of a smart and accurately programmed thermostat, you will be able to adjust and maintain a temperature that is suitable for that particular zone.
For example, if you have elderly people living in the house who cannot stand cool air for longer durations, you can shift them to a zone where the temperature is slightly balanced. The thing with HVAC zoning systems is that it should be carefully planned and installed properly.
For this, you will need to contact experts who will personally visit your house and determine the number of zones you need. The fewer the zones, the less the strain on the central unit. Many people think that if they have the chance, they should come up with as many zones as possible.
This only puts an excess burden on the unit and will lead to high energy bills. That is why, you should only determine zones that satisfy your needs.
Pros Of HVAC Zoning Systems
Now that you are familiar with the concept of HVAC zoning systems, let’s now discuss some important advantages they tend to offer.
Energy Efficient
HVAC zoning systems increase the energy efficiency of your HVAC unit. These systems have sensors that keep track of the temperature in different zones. So, you do not have to be worried about a room being excessively cold or warm if you are not in the house.
The zoning system will direct the air circulation to the room that needs the most. This type of cooling system is both better in terms of energy utilization and the environment. Plus, you do not need turn the unit on and off each time.
As soon as the system reaches its set temperature, it will reduce the power consumption and maintain the temperature.
Lower Energy Bills
With rising inflation and energy costs, everybody is trying to cut down and save on power consumption. HVAC zoning systems help reduce energy bills by reducing power consumption whenever needed. But, it’s not like you will be saving thousands of dollars every month.
The savings are accounted for on an annual basis. At the same time, you need to keep in mind that the energy savings will be low if you tend to use the zoning system during extreme weather conditions as well. For instance, if it’s snowing outside, you might want to use the HVAC system instead of the fireplace to keep yourself warm. This is going to cost you energy bills.
Better Air Quality And Prolonged Lifespan
HVAC zoning systems help achieve efficiency. Not only that, they also help improve the air quality. As the zoning system will distribute air in different zones, the probability of dust, dirt, and other harmful factors ending up inside your lungs is going to be less.
You have to keep in mind that air quality is a significant factor to consider especially if you have elderly people or kids living in the house who tend to be a lot more sensitive to these things.
In addition to that, zoning also helps prolong your HVAC system’s life. This is because the system will not have to work harder than usual to maintain a particular temperature for the entire house. With each room requiring a different temperature, the overall stress is going to be less. However, you should not ignore yearly or bi-yearly maintenance. So, call in AC repair services Chantilly at the beginning of each summer and winter season for stress-free cooling or heating.
Low Operating Costs & Enhanced Comfort
As mentioned earlier, HVAC zoning systems are smart in the sense that they won’t waste energy by sending air to rooms that do not need any. HVAC zoning systems combine heating and air conditioning units under a single control panel. This way, the cooling and heating system in your house will automatically be controlled without you having to constantly keep an eye on it.
This, in the long run, reduces the operating costs. Furthermore, an HVAC zoning system will also bring an end to the forever-happening thermostat wars. Since everybody will be able to adjust different temperatures for their rooms, it is going to be a win-win situation.
Cons Of HVAC Zoning Systems
While HVAC zoning systems have their advantages, you should not ignore the disadvantages. If it’s your first time installing a zoning system, here are a few things you need to consider.
High Upfront Costs
The biggest downside to installing an HVAC zoning system is that it is expensive. The upfront cost of having an HVAC zoning system range between $2,400 and $9,000. The cost varies based on the home size, type, and the complexity of the installation. Plus, setting up an HVAC zoning system is not a DIY project. You will need to hire a team of experts to do it for you.
Costly Repairs
Considering the complexity of the zoning systems, you have to keep in mind that the repairs and replacements can be costly. HVAC systems need proper maintenance. With time, the components tend to weaken and certain external factors take a toll on the overall lifespan of the system as well.
This means that you will not be able to fix the issues on your own either and will need a technician to fix the issue. As a result, you will have to pay for the labor and repair costs which can be expensive. That said, you must schedule professional maintenance at least once a year.
This allows the experts to go deep inside the system and not only clean but also look for potential issues. The experts can fix the issue before it turns worse and costs a lot of money. You think of it as an investment as you are paying to avoid the complications down the road.
Conclusion
HVAC zoning systems like other HVAC options tend to share pros and cons. But that should not put you off when it comes to installing one. You should carefully plan it and consult air conditioning companies Fairfax because you will have an expert who will advise you in the right direction. You may have to bear initial installation costs, but you will see a reduction in your energy bills.
