What is a zoned heating HVAC system? We get the lowdown from the pros

One of the biggest downsides to traditional heating systems such as forced air heating or boilers and radiators, is that they heat every room of a house at the same time, resulting in higher bills.

This can be infuriating for you and your wallet if you only need to heat some rooms some of the time. That is where a zoned heating HVAC system might be able to save the day – and your savings.

Here, HVAC experts have broken down this flexible home heating type, exploring the pros and cons to help you decide if it's right for you.

What is a zoned heating HVAC system?

A zoned heating HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system allows you to divide your home into sections, or 'zones'. Each zone is then controlled by its own thermostat to give you complete control over your heating to make your heating more efficient.

Besides keeping a home warm all day, these HVAC systems can also cool down a room, making it ideal for those family members who prefer different room temperatures to others. Or, you can keep the lower part of your home at one temperature and the upper part warmer for example, offering you the flexibility to manage your home as you see fit.

Max Veggeberg, HVAC specialist, CEO, and founder of Tetra adds, 'Another common type of zoned system are mini splits, which are individual air-handling units connected to an outdoor unit providing targeted heating and cooling to a specific area. Other less common types include Hydronic Radiant Floor Heating and Radiator systems with Thermostatic Radiator Valves.'

The pros

There are quite a few pros to having a zoned heating HVAC system put in your home.

Geno Caccia, CEO of Caccia Plumbing says zoned systems are a great investment for homeowners wanting to improve energy efficiency and comfort. 'A zoned system works by using dampers to direct airflow only where it’s needed. Each thermostat adjusts temperatures for its zone independently, letting you heat or cool areas as needed. For example, you can keep the living room warm during the day while letting bedrooms stay cooler to save energy.'

Due to being able to control the entire system independently, the other bonus is it becomes cost-effective. Geno explains, 'While the upfront cost of installation is higher, the savings on energy bills and the ability to customize temperatures make them worth it in the long run.'

For example, if your home has large windows that allow lots of sunlight in during the day, then you can lower the heating on that side of the house and use the zoned system to warm up north-facing rooms while cutting energy bills.

For added flexibility, look out for thermostats that can be operated by your tablet or phone, most smart models work with HVAC systems. Once you've chosen your model (we love the make below) your next consideration is where should a thermostat be placed for the most accurate readings.

The cons

There are several instances where having an HVAC system installed wouldn't be a good idea. For instance, if you live in a climate that has a consistently mild temperature for the majority of the year, or if your home is small, then the upfront cost might not be worth the investment. Installed new, these types of systems are most efficient in larger homes unless you notice signs your old HVAC system needs replacing, and you fancy an upgrade.

Geno explains, 'Really, the main barrier to not having one installed is due to the upfront costs, it might not make sense for smaller homes and would likely require retrofitting older homes with existing ductwork. It's also important to note that if the system isn't installed or designed properly, it could lead to inefficiency and hot and cold spots in your home. I think if done right, they are worth it but, of course, there are risks.'

If a zoned heating system is not right for you but you still want to save money at home, don't fret. there are plenty of other ways to keep your home warm without turning up the heat.

The cost of a zoned heating HVAC system

As with most installation costs, the cost of a zoned heating HVAC system will vary depending on how big your home is and the work required to fit it.

Max Veggeberg says, 'A homeowner could be looking at $2,000-$20,000+ to install a zoned system depending on the system type and zone amount. Some zoned systems like heat pumps come with thousands of dollars in rebates and tax incentives which can make them much more affordable than other solutions.'

Geno Caccia adds, 'It does depend on the size of the home and whether it’s a retrofit or a new installation. Larger homes or more complex systems can cost more.'

Although it can seem to be a big outlay initially, having a HVAC system fitted can improve your comfort throughout your home and reduce energy costs.

FAQS

What is the difference between zoned and central HVAC systems?

Chuck Woosley, general manager of The Bee Heat & AC explains, 'The main difference between zoned and central HVAC systems lies in how they distribute heating and cooling throughout your home. A central HVAC system typically conditions the entire home as a single unit, meaning one thermostat controls the temperature for the entire space.

'In contrast, a zoned HVAC system divides your home into separate zones, each with its own thermostat and controls. This allows you to customize the temperature in different areas of your home, improving comfort and potentially saving on energy costs.'

How do I know if I have a zoned heating system?

If your home has more than one thermostat then you have a zoned heating system.

Chuck Woosely adds, 'Additionally, a zoned system often features dampers within the ductwork that open and close to direct airflow to specific zones. If you’re unsure, a local HVAC professional can inspect your system and confirm its configuration.'

Meet our experts

Geno Caccia

Geno Caccia is the CEO of Caccia Plumbing Inc., dedicated to delivering trusted plumbing services and advancing trade education.

Max Veggeberg

Max Veggeberg is the CEO of Tetra, a rapidly growing home services company helping thousands of homeowners transition from fossil fuels to clean energy.

Chuck Woosley

Chuck Woosley is the general manager of The Bee, a Zephyr portfolio brand servicing HVAC customers in the Denver metro area. He brings over 30 years of experience in the industry to his current role as general manager.

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