What are some signs that a customer’s home is a good candidate for zoning?
Multi-level homes are always a good candidate for zoning, especially if they have not been zoned with equipment. There can be as much as an eight- to ten-degree difference in temperature between upstairs and downstairs. However, any home that has the thermostat located in a hallway is always a candidate for zoning providing the contractor can access the ductwork. When a homeowner tells you they must keep adjusting the temperature as they occupy different areas of the home, there’s a good chance that zoning could greatly improve their comfort level.
What newer technology is available that contractors working in zoning should know about?
When it comes to forced air zoning, a barometric or electronic bypass damper installation has been the traditional method in maintaining system static pressure as zone dampers open and close. However, installing a bypass damper and ducting it from the supply to the return plenum can be difficult due to space limitations and/or duct layout. This method is also a less efficient use of energy. Here at iO HVAC Controls, we offer zoning systems that incorporate Electronic Static Pressure Control Technology (ESP) that eliminate the need for a conventional bypass damper while assuring that system static pressure is maintained. This saves installation time and reduces system cost.
Bypass dampers have been successfully used for many years in zone control installations to maintain system static pressure with no adverse effect to equipment operation. In addition, today’s zoning panels have discharge air sensor inputs to prevent coil freeze up or tripping on safety limit due to excessive bypass. Contractors should refer to Section 7 of Manual Zr Residential Zoning for proper bypass damper sizing. Of course, the preferred alternative to a traditional bypass is our ESP zoning systems.