Are you looking for a new furnace? Perhaps you’re a little unsure whether you should get a central heating system or a zoned unit. This article aims to give you some ideas on what type of furnace you should install in your home.
Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is your total heating company in Ramsey MN. For over forty years, we have been helping our loyal customers choose the right furnaces for their homes.
Central HVAC Systems
A central heating system generates heat by transforming the chemical energy in fuel into thermal energy and transferring it to your indoor air. This type of furnace provides heating for the whole home, which allows you to make full use of your home throughout the year. It is also convenient to use, that’s why it is one of the more popular modes of heating in U.S. homes. Most furnaces also use underfloor and radiator heating that provides a silent operation. As a result, it offers relaxing, peaceful, and convenient indoor living. Also, its long lifespan is another factor why many homeowners choose to install central HVAC systems in their homes.
On the other hand, owning a central heating system means dealing with regular maintenance requirements to make sure the unit works effortlessly. When a system does not get regular maintenance, it can exhibit problems, including inconsistent heating. You will notice that some rooms are warmer than others. If you have a gas-fired unit, it also runs the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
A central HVAC system is great if you want uniform temperature settings in all areas of your home, which is great in terms of overall comfort.
HVAC Zoned Systems
An HVAC zoning system (also known as “zoned HVAC”) is a heating and cooling system that uses dampers in the ductwork to control and redirect air to specific areas of the home. This allows for the creation of customized temperature zones throughout the home for improved comfort and energy efficiency.
The first thing you need to do is to identify each zone. For homes with an open floor plan, you should regard open areas as a single zone. Closed areas such as bedrooms and study rooms can be zoned separately.
To maximize your system’s energy efficiency, you need to determine how you will manage the temperatures in each zone. A programmable thermostat can be used to preset temperatures that vary based on the time of the day and the day of the week. Also, a smart thermostat can automatically heat or cool the room based on its activity level. Either thermostat should work with a zoned heating system.
Having zoned HVAC systems mean no more heating and cooling of unused zones, which rids you of wasted energy. You can choose to turn off heating or cooling in unused areas and only turn it on when needed. Not only does this system help you save money on energy, but it also helps your maintenance costs. Moreover, you can now say goodbye to thermostat wars in your home, thanks to individual thermostats provided for each zone. Now, everyone in the house can have their preferred temperatures and enjoy their personal space.
The only challenge with a zone HVAC system is the upfront cost. Convenience and efficiency are two things you need to invest in. But the good news is that you will easily recoup these costs with lower monthly heating and cooling costs.
Zoning is perfect for those who have plans or currently building a new home because it can be easily linked to the existing blueprint. On the other hand, if you’re adding rooms to a home that has existing ductwork, you may need additional work to accommodate the new system.
If you have a home with multiple levels, go for a zoned HVAC system. Since hot air typically rises, controlling the temperature is much more challenging than the rooms in the lower level. Zoning can fix this issue by providing an individual thermostat to your upper-level and lower-level rooms. Everyone will have their preferred temperature settings whether they are upstairs or downstairs.
Ask the HVAC Pros
To make sure you’re buying the right piece of equipment, call Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning. Our Elk River heating and air conditioning installation experts will answer any questions you may have. It’d be our pleasure to be your partner in establishing a comfortable and energy-efficient home.