Blog Layout

What Are Zone Control Systems?
All City Heat and Air • December 15, 2020

Some like it hot!

Others, not so much.

If you have a large home with multiple stories or a large household with family members who prefer different temperatures, consider installing a zone control system.

A zone control system—or zoning—only provides the necessary cooling or heating that each zone in your North Carolina home needs at the time. It not only adds to the comfort level of your home but can also lower your energy bills.

At All City Heat and Air , we always look for ways to improve the comfort, health, and safety of homes and businesses in Charlotte and surrounding areas. Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is a significant purchase—a big part of our job is to help ensure you get the maximum value from this investment.

How Do Zone Control Systems Work?

To create a zone control system, our experts will place dampers in the ductwork that distributes hot or cold air throughout your Charlotte home. Each zone you create  is equipped with a thermostat that connects to a central control panel. When you adjust the thermostats in each zone, the control panel opens or closes dampers to distribute hot or cold air where needed.

Working with our team, you create the size and location of each zone throughout your home or business. You can turn one room into a zone, or an entire floor. The zones should be areas that either have different temperature requirements or have specific areas that have had trouble maintaining temperature compared to the rest of a zone.  

Whatever you decide, you can count on All City Heat and Air to help you achieve the most comfort in your home that comes with a zone control system.

Zoning Options

Installing a zone control is a money saver since it lessens the load on your HVAC system. Your furnace or air conditioner no longer has to struggle to heat or cool every room in your home. Here are some ideal zoning situations:

  • Homes with rooms that are hardly used
  • Home with concrete slab foundations, large windows, or high ceilings
  • Finished rooms in the attic or basement
  • Homes with multiple floors or intricate floor plans

Reducing the stress on your HVAC equipment extends the service life of your entire system. It also lowers your monthly utility bills. According to the US Department Department of Energy (DOE), heating and cooling your home accounts for upwards of 40 percent of your energy costs.

How do I know if I need a zone system?

Most homes can benefit from a zone control system. If your home has any areas that are uncomfortable compared to the rest of the home or you have different temperature requirements throughout your home, this system may help.

Larger homes with multiple systems also see huge benefits from a zone control system because there is no reason to heat or cool the home to a comfort level when some areas are not being used. Only maintaining a comfort level in occupied rooms can generate huge energy savings.

Many programable thermostats also have WiFi features so you can monitor and adjust the heating or cooling in the home; only the necessary energy is being used when no one is at home, or when people are only using certain rooms at certain times of the day.

These are significant utility savings that can occur while also increasing your home comfort!  You will save money and make everyone in your home happy!

What If I Close Off Vents?

Our customers will occasionally ask if they can achieve the same result simply by adjusting the slats on the air vent covers. The answer is no.

Closing or partially opening a vent restricts the amount of air that exits the ductwork—but does not cause an air conditioner or furnace to produce less cold or hot air. By comparison, the zone control system not only redistributes airflow by operating dampers but also controls your HVAC equipment, signaling it when to run and when to stop. This eliminates unnecessary energy expenses.

Using air vents as a substitute for zone control may also contribute to air leakage and low airflow, among other problems. Those adjustable slats over air vents are designed to direct the flow of air into a room, not block it entirely. 

Call Your Zone Control Experts Today!

Schedule an appointment today to learn if a zoning system can benefit your Charlotte, NC , business or home. At All City Heat and Air , we take great pride in building longterm relationships with our customers. We want to earn the chance to be your trusted source for all your heating and cooling needs. Call 704-545-2000 or request service online today to learn more about zone control systems and other services.

The post What Are Zone Control Systems? first appeared on All City Heat and Air and is written by All City Heat and Air.

A modern heat pump installed outside a home, illustrating energy efficiency and year-round comfort.
By All City Heat and Air January 17, 2025
Learn why heat pumps are energy-efficient, quiet, and perfect for Charlotte's mild climate. Contact All City Heat and Air for expert heat pump installation today.
HVAC technician performing an end-of-year inspection on a heating system in a residential home.
By All City Heat and Air December 8, 2024
Assess your HVAC system's performance before the New Year. Plan upgrades, schedule tune-ups, and ensure year-round comfort with All City Heat and Air in Charlotte.
Hand adjusting thermostat valve for heating solutions in Charlotte.
By All City Heat and Air November 22, 2024
Stay cozy this winter with troubleshooting tips for common heating issues. Learn about air filter checks, pilot light problems, and more. Contact All City Heat and Air for expert heater repair in Charlotte.
A close-up of a heat pump issue in a Montclair home.
By All City Heat and Air October 17, 2024
Experiencing burning smells, frequent breaker trips, or buzzing sounds? Learn when to call an electrician in Montclair to ensure your home’s safety.
HVAC technician performing fall maintenance on a heating system.
By All City Heat and Air September 25, 2024
Get your HVAC system ready for fall in Cornelius, NC. Learn tips like changing filters, checking the thermostat, and scheduling maintenance to prevent furnace repairs with All City Heat and Air.
Woman on couch working her air conditioning unit with remote control.
By All City Heat and Air August 30, 2024
Discover how your HVAC system can improve indoor air quality with regular maintenance, proper ventilation, and the right air filters. Learn tips for a healthier home environment in Charlotte.
Show More
Share by: