Do You Need A Zoned HVAC System?

Not all rooms in the home heat and cool the same. Some may get hotter due sunshine hitting that side of the house, others may be well insulated within the interior of the home. These drastic changes in cooling and heating needs throughout the home make it difficult to maintain an even temperature, causing your heat pump, furnace, or central air conditioner to wor harder and energy bills to skyrocket. For homes that have these types of issues, a zoning system may be the answer. 

Would A Zoning System Work For Your Home?

A zoning system allows you to control the temperature in rooms separately, making  your home more comfortable and energy efficient. However, not all homes are in need of this type of system. Open floor plans and small, one level homes may not need to have separately controlled rooms. Some of the homes that often benefit from a zoning system include: 

  • Home with two or more stories
  • Homes with rooms that are consistently cooler or hotter than others
  • Homes with basements or levels that are underground
  • Families with members who need different temperature levels
  • Homes with rooms or areas which are rarely used 

If any of these apply to your home or family, a zoning HVAC may be worth investigating. By giving each area or room its own temperature zone, you can gain control of what you spend on cooling and heating. In addition, you can finally stabilize the temperature in rooms which get too warm or too cool. Talk to your local HVAC professional about converting your home to a zoning system and see what a difference in can make in the comfort and efficiency of your home.

Posted on behalf of James Smith, ClimateSmith LLC

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Disadvantages of Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are quickly becoming the residential heating and cooling system of choice for many homeowners due to their excellent efficiency and low cost of operation.  However, before you commit to the cost of a new heat pump system, be sure that a heat pump is right for you and your family.  Energy efficiency should not be the only criteria for choosing a home heating system and heat pumps have a few drawbacks that make them less appealing for some homeowners.

First, heat pumps are not very effective heating systems when temperatures drop below freezing.  If you live in a climate that regularly sees extended periods with temperatures below freezing, consider combining a heat pump with another heating source such as a traditional furnace.

Next, the warm air coming from your vents will not feel as warm as what you may be used to with a furnace.  Heat pumps are designed to run for longer periods of time while delivering warm air rather than delivering hot air for shorter periods of time like a traditional furnace.  Once you get used to the slightly cooler temperature of the warm air blowing from your registers, you will appreciate that this is actually a plus for heat pumps, not a negative.  With a heat pump, the temperature in your home will remain more constant and will not fluctuate as much as it does with a furnace.

Finally, some homeowners are concerned that since a heat pump handles both the heating and cooling function, it runs throughout the year and may wear out sooner than a traditional furnace.  There may be some truth to this notion, but a good quality, well maintained heat pump can be expected to give good service for about 15 to 20 years.  By the time the heat pump wears out, advancements in energy efficiency will probably warrant replacing the system in any event.