Like most homeowners, you want your heating system to keep your family comfortable. At the same time, you want to consume as little energy as possible to keep your home energy bills low. However, you may not achieve these goals with your current traditional forced-air heating system.
While traditional forced-air systems work well in many homes, some homeowners find that these heating systems heat their homes unevenly. For example, conventional forced-air methods often make the second floor of many two-story homes much warmer than the first floors. This uneven temperature often forces occupants to open windows in warmer areas of the house. This kind of compromise always leads to energy waste.
These systems can also make it difficult for families to find a temperature that makes everyone happy!
Thankfully, zoned heating systems can help solve both of these problems. They can help keep your family more comfortable while lowering home energy bills. The average homeowner saves up to 30% on energy bills after making the switch.
Read on to learn more about two zoned heating system options and which option may be best for your home.
Zoned Forced-Air Heating System
A zoned forced-air heating system provides you with all the comforts of a traditional design. The significant difference is that these systems allow you to regulate the temperature of your home’s spaces separately.
A zoned forced-air heating system allows you to separate your home into climate zones, each with a thermostat. Many homeowners divide their homes into just two climate zones, each consisting of one house floor. Still, others prefer to turn every room of their home into its unique zone.
The thermostat added to each climate zone connects to special dampers installed in your home ductwork. When the temperature in the climate zone drops below the thermostat temperature setting, the thermostat sends a signal to the dampers that trigger them to open and allow heat to flow through the vents into the climate zone. After reaching the desired thermostat setting, the dampers receive a closing signal.
When switching from a traditional forced-air heating system to a zoned one, you should replace your existing conventional furnace with a variable-speed one. Zoned systems produce excessive wear and tear in standard furnaces. This operation often results in an overall lifespan reduction and no boost in energy efficiency.
Multi-Zone Mini-Split HVAC System
Another zoned heating option is a multi-zone mini-split or ductless system.
Unlike a zoned forced-air HVAC system, a mini-split system does not heat your home with a furnace that sends warm air through heating ducts. Instead, this system comprises an air condenser typically placed outdoors and several indoor heating units called air handlers. This air condenser collects heat energy already found in the air and then transfers it to the indoor air handlers through memorable refrigerant lines.
Since the air condenser collects heat energy from the air instead of creating heat, as a furnace does, this heating system type is highly energy-efficient.
One mini-split condenser can send heat to up to nine Indoor air handlers to create up to nine climate zones in your home. Professionals can mount these air handlers on walls, floors, heating ducts, room ceilings, or climate zone.
To ensure your multi-zone mini-split system can heat your home correctly without wasting energy, you must choose a system that has a suitable BTU capacity for your home. A higher BTU mini-split system can provide more heat than a lower BTU capacity. While a mini-split system with a BTU capacity too low for your home may not be able to provide the heat you need, one with a too-high BTU capacity may short cycle, which can reduce energy efficiency.
Trust Derek Sawyer’s Heating & Air With Your HVAC Needs
An HVAC expert can determine your home’s mini-split heating system capacity to ensure your new multi-zone heating system heats your home correctly without wasting energy.
This heating system is an excellent option if your home does not have air ducts or you desire a system that operates more quietly than a forced-air system.
If your current control over your home’s temperature is insufficient, you may want to consider a zoned system. A zoned heating system can help keep your family more comfortable while increasing home energy efficiency. Contact the HVAC experts at Derek Sawyer’s Heating & Air Conditioning for your home heating needs today.