If the thought of increasing utility bills during summer has you worried, you’re not the only one. When you turn on your air conditioning system this summer, each degree you minus can increase energy consumption by 5 to 10 percent.
If you’re currently using a split system, you’ve likely been advised to replace it with a ducted system instead. While your typical split system does a good job at offering cost effective installation, it’s not the best at regulating temperature across different rooms. That’s where your ducted air conditioning system comes in. But how do these air conditioners work? And what advantages and disadvantages does it provide? Let’s answer these questions to help you make an informed choice:
How Zoned Air Conditioning Works
Zoned ducted air conditioning works by diving your home into different zones. You can control the temperature for these different areas based on the home’s layout and your individual needs. Even if you have one HVAC system for the entire home, zoning can control the heating or cooling in different areas of your home via a thermostat.
Ducted air conditioning units with zoning work using dampers. These are metal plates inside the ductwork that open and close, which allows you to control the airflow to specific zones.
In theory, it sounds the same as closing the supply vents to specific zones or rooms. But even though closing the vents stops air from entering the room, conditioned air will still flow through the ducts. This can impact the system’s functioning by causing an air pressure imbalance.
Pros of Zoned Ducted Air Conditioning
Considering getting a zoned heating and cooling system for complete control of your home air conditioning unit? These are some of the benefits of AC zoning:
Complete Climate Control
You wouldn’t have a single switch to control all your lighting, right? So, your air conditioning shouldn’t be any different.
Older ducted systems with zoning controls required a large common zone, which would need to stay on at all times to prevent air pressure build-up and subsequent damage to the ductwork. Fortunately, today’s ducted systems zone with a zone controller that gives you complete control of the amount of cool or warm air inside every zone. You can adjust the air flow for all parts of the home, or shut off airflow to an unused room or zone.
It’s also possible to set scheduled times on your ducted air con system, so they automatically shut down at a specific time based on your routine.
Discreet Appearance and Quiet Operation
After successful ducted air conditioning installation, you don’t have to deal with a bulky indoor unit taking up space on your wall. Meanwhile, the outdoor unit will be in your backyard and the central air conditioning unit will be set up inside the roof. Out of sight, out of mind!
A zoned system is also much quieter, making it the best option for spaces where noise can be a problem, such as bedrooms and living rooms.
Greater Energy Efficiency
Unlike older ducted systems, which used to be more expensive to run, modern systems with zone control offer much greater efficiency. Intelligent control systems mean that you’re not wasting energy sending conditioned air to empty rooms. Instead, the system will send cool air to air conditioning zones that need it the most, ensuring shorter cooling or heating cycles.
Lower Energy Bills
Air conditioning zone control greatly reduces unnecessary energy consumption. This leads to lower energy bills. You can expect to see greater savings on your energy bills when you compare them to previous years.
Not to mention, zone control systems combine both heating and cooling in a single unit. This means greater control via a single panel, which brings down operational costs.
Better Comfort and Air Quality
No more fighting over the thermostat. Zoned air conditioning allows everyone to set the desired temperature for their room. This means maximum comfort and controlled airflow for every zone.
Additionally, your ducted unit can come with an air purifier. These have HEPA-compliant air filters that remove dust, pollen, mould, and other allergens from the air to each zone.
Easy Maintenance and Longevity
One of the major benefits of a zoned heating and cooling system is that it maintenance is easier. In this type of system, you only have to service and maintain one unit, instead of several split units across different rooms. Depending on the zoned air conditioning system you install, and how often you service it, a ducted air conditioner provides about 20 years of service.
Cons of Zoned Ducted Air Conditioner Systems
Despite its obvious pros, there are a few cons of zoned ducted air conditioning.
Suitable For Bigger Homes
Perhaps the biggest disadvantage is that the size of the air conditioner limits its applications to larger properties and homes. A zoned ducted air conditioning system is much bulkier than its split counterpart, so you need enough space in your roof to accommodate it.
Requires Planning and Maintenance
As we mentioned above, a zoned home air conditioning system needs enough space for you to install it in your home. Even if you have enough space, it needs to be planned carefully so that the design is safe, functional, and effective. Otherwise, it may not operate at optimal levels, contributing to inefficiencies.
Additionally, you’ll need to call in an expert to service and maintain your zoned air conditioning unit. Preferably a licensed professional with experience in installing ducted units and diagnosing malfunctions.
Higher Installation Cost
For many property owners, a caveat of installing ducted air conditioning is the higher cost compared to an average split system. That’s because the system is divided into areas and has an advanced design to allow control of the temperature across zones. The design is complicated and requires more vents and ducts to be fitted into your roof. Nevertheless, it’s a long-term investment that you get back over time thanks to savings on your energy bill.
Is A Ducted Air Conditioning Unit The Right Choice?
Zoning your ducted system may not be worth the cost when you’re living in a single-level home with little square footage. The exception is if you struggle to maintain airflow to each zone, and some areas end up getting warmer or cooler than others. In this case, a zoned ducted air conditioner allows greater temperature control. Similarly, a larger property with multiple floors is bound to benefit from ducted air conditioning zoning.
We also recommend zone air conditioning if your home has high ceilings. That’s because it’s harder to keep a room with high ceilings evenly cool or warm. The same goes for homes with skylights and large windows, as these additions can drastically increase indoor temperatures. By installing a multi-zone system, rooms with bigger windows can be classified as different zones that need more airflow than other rooms.
Speak To TemperTroops About Switching To Zoned Air Conditioning
Now that you’re aware of the pros and cons of zoned air conditioning, are you ready to take the next step? If you’d like to know more or need help choosing the right air conditioning unit, get in touch with our expert team!
