If you know anything about air handlers, you may have heard of the term “zoning.” This is a strategic way to set up your air conditioner to cool different areas of your home independently of one another. While zoning is easiest for ductless mini-splits, a ducted AC system can also be divided into zones for greater control and comfort. Here’s what to know.
Zoning In Real Time
Zoning a ducted mini-split involves installing motorized dampers inside your ductwork. When a zone needs cooling, the thermostat sends a signal to the system to open the dampers and allow cool air to flow to that section. When you need less cooling in that area, the thermostat tells the dampers to close. This allows you to control the comfort settings in each area without affecting other spaces.
Benefits of Zoning with a Ducted AC
Installing a ducted air conditioner gives home and business owners more than just added control. Here are more ways that a zoned ducted AC delivers long-term value:
Variable Temps
Zoning eliminates the one-thermostat-fits-all approach of a traditional ducted system. Instead of having to keep every part of your space the same temperature, you only have to cool the spaces you’re actively using. So if you want to keep your bedroom at a cool 65 degrees while your living room stays comfortable at 70 degrees, you can.
Better Energy Efficiency
By only sending cool air to the spaces that need it, you can eliminate unnecessary energy use and lower your electric bills. Over time, these savings can more than offset the cost of installing a zoned air conditioner.
Extended Equipment Lifespan
Because your system isn’t constantly working to condition your whole space, it experiences much less wear and tear than if it were running all the time. Zoning helps reduce the number of times your system has to go through a full cooling cycle and lightens the overall workload on the compressor. This translates to fewer breakdowns and a longer useful life
How to Optimize Zoning With a Smart Thermostat
Swapping out your traditional thermostat for one with smart compatibility can take your comfort and control to the next level. Here’s how:
Schedule Cooling Cycles by Zone
Zoning already allows you to cool specific areas, but a smart thermostat provides you with the tools to automate and fine tune the comfort in each of those areas. For instance, you can schedule a bedroom thermostat to lower every evening and turn off while you’re in the living room or away at work.
Control Temperatures Remotely
Most smart thermostats connect to mobile apps that allow you to adjust your preferred temps from anywhere using just your phone or other connected device. So if you have to stay late at work unexpectedly or will be back sooner than you thought, you can update your settings on the go.
Receive System Alerts and Performance Data
Smart thermostats provide real-time data and automated alerts if something isn’t working properly. Whether a vent is blocked and your system isn’t getting enough airflow or it’s time for regular maintenance, you’ll get a notification. You can also log into the app to get energy usage reports and proactively monitor your filter status.
Take the Guesswork Out of Comfort
Instead of constantly adjusting thermostats manually, a smart system “learns” your preferences over time. Some models can detect changes in humidity, adjust to outdoor temperatures, or integrate with voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit for hands-free climate control.
Get Reliable Ducted Air Conditioning Today With N.E.T.R., Inc.
At N.E.T.R, Inc., we’ve been serving Boston and North Shore residents since 1989. We can help keep you cool by installing a new ducted AC, or we can repair and maintain your existing one. Contact us today to get a no-cost service quote at (781) 933-6387.
