In the past, we have talked about why the upstairs level in certain homes is always hotter than the first floor. Usually, this is caused by a duct work-related issue, and the house only has a single “zone” heating and cooling system. Typically, two-story homes, with a single zone HVAC system and the thermostat located on the lower level, will always be significantly hotter upstairs.
There are a couple different ways to correct this. Usually, it will include adding an additional system to the attic of the home, adding a supplemental unit such as a mini-split, or dividing your current HVAC system into multiple zones. One of our favorites at Stay Cool Climate Control is zoning. Zoning is one of the cheapest and most effective ways to correct the hot upstairs on a two-story home.
HVAC Zoning
An HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) zoning system is designed to provide customized temperature control and energy efficiency in homes or buildings with multiple rooms or zones. It works by dividing a home or building into multiple zones, each with its own thermostat and temperature control.
The zoning system allows you to set different temperature settings for different areas or zones of the building. This means that you can set a different temperature for the bedrooms, living room, or kitchen, depending on the preferences and needs of the occupants. This provides greater comfort and control over the indoor environment. On most two-story homes, the correction includes adding an additional thermostat to the upper level and keeping the thermostat on the lower level, turning one zone into two zones.
The zoning system works by using dampers installed in the HVAC system’s ductwork. These dampers are automatically opened or closed to direct air to specific zones by the zone panel, depending on the temperature settings in each zone. This means that the HVAC system can only provide heating or cooling to the zones that need it rather than heating or cooling the entire building. This helps keep those hard-to-reach areas nice and cool in the summertime heat we experience in St. Charles, Missouri.
By using a zoning system, you can also save energy and reduce your utility bills by only heating or cooling the areas that are occupied or in use. This can be particularly useful in larger homes or buildings where different zones may have different temperature needs or usage patterns.
Overall, an HVAC zoning system provides greater comfort and control, improved energy efficiency, and cost savings. At Stay Cool Climate Control, it is our job to keep you comfortable; call us for HVAC-related questions, comments, or concerns. Stay Cool out there, St. Charles County.