Zoned System - Heat in more than one zone

7 years ago

Finally moved into new build in January, just in time to check out the capabilities of the furnace :)

One thing I notice is that my main floor has 3 zones. The Infinity Touch Controller says ONLY my Master Bedroom zone is heating, but I'm feeling heat out of other zone ducts too. Is this normal? I guess you can't turn off the damper 100% ?

Struggling to find the best comfort level/warmth in the house. Upstairs is a separate unit and it can say 72 on the thermostat and the bedrooms will be 68, 66 and 62.

Lastly, are there any advanced floor or ceiling register that really let you control how much air flow is open to the room? I've got this expensive system and the installer told me to fine adjust all the vents using the $1.78 registers they installed from Menards :)

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

mike_home
7 years ago
Do you know if you have the Infinity zone dampers? They have the capability of being partially open to allow some air flow. They are very expensive so some contractors may substitute a traditional damper to save money. If you have the Infinity dampers then I believe you will feel some air flow even only one zone is calling for heat. I don't own this damper so someone may comment on how exactly they should operate.

If the temperature variation is your house is more than 1-2 degrees then I suggest you complain to the HVAC contractor. The propose of zoning is to have even temperatures. You have the best zoning system on the market. It should work very well assuming it was installed properly with the right components. But be aware most contractors do a poor job when it comes to zoning. Don't be surprised if they have to come back several times to fix it.
PRO
Austin Air Companie
7 years ago
There are many ways to 'design' a zone system. Some ways are less efficient than others. In most cases, when it comes to these type of zone systems the designs are such to make it easier to install --- but not for the best in efficiency.

In order for the zone system to be most efficient, you have to have serious control knowledge. There are a plethora of zoning controls out there. Some are very poor choices. The better controls require good 'design' practices or the zone system will likely trip out with faults or run erratically.

The biggest enemy of a zone system is too much air pressure. To alleviate this pressure some manufacturers will keep dampers slightly open. Part of this is to reduce cost so that you can skip the bypass damper.

The problem is these methods don't make the system as efficient as it could be. It all comes down to 'design' as well as the controls chosen. If you choose the right controls and the 'design' is wrong... It won't work very good.

With that said, a properly zoned system with dampers that close solidly will supply air to the zones on occasion. Typically, this occurs when the system first starts up because all zone dampers usually start from an open position and take a few seconds to fully close.
Related Discussions
usda zone, heat zone, sunset zone
Q
Comments (11)
Interesting I see there are 4 heat zones in my state. Im in heat zone 1, I don't have to go far for that to change. I can see how it can make a big difference Thank you for the link Seysonn its something Ill use for future reference. Ive been growing hots for 25 years always in the same aria . Surrounded by water keeps me 10 degrees cooler then just 10 miles up the road. Good place to get a most excellent fruit set. Ive seen it 100 in Phily . and stay in the high 80s here, Very useful information
...See More
zones do not incorporate summer heat levels into the zone determ
Q
Comments (12)
and most importantly of all (for palm growers at least) is zones do not include average daily temperatures. For example, the average daily temperature in my town in southern California in winter is probably in the 50s, while a town in Florida in the same zone (eg. Orlando) has daily averages about 20 degrees higher. Even though it may actually have some colder lows. So you can grow coconuts in Orlando but not here despite both being a zone 9b. Zones do not include humidity, either, another determining factor in what will or won't grow for you (which is why Juabaes do great in my yard, but not in my friend's yard in Orlando). There just is no way to create a meaningful zone system that would accurately help predict what plants will grow where.
...See More
2-zone heating system.
Q
Comments (3)
If you have access to the separate ductwork that each floor serves, you or your friendly contractor could add dampers to control the flow between the two floors, If not, then your idea of closing off some of the upstair registers might work to a point, since closing off registers will restrict the total airflow thru the furnace and might cause temperature overlimit shutdown of the furnace. However, if that happens, I would go to the highest RPM of the blower ( usually used for A/C) and if the furnace is oversized as they usually are, reduce the size of the nozzle (for oil heat) or the gas flow ( for gas). It is however, unlikely that you could get zoning out of this, only an improvement of the balance.
...See More
Three separate heat pumps or a zoned system
Q
Comments (2)
Thanks for the advice. Can anyone tell me if the Infinity controls "talk" to each other. Would the ground floor know what the upstairs thermostat is doing or does it matter. I ask because the ground floor great room is two stories tall with an open stairway up to the second floor.
...See More

Related Stories

COLOR Why You Should Paint Your Walls More Than One Color

By Andrea Von

Using multiple colors can define zones, highlight features or just add that special something

Full Story

GREAT HOME PROJECTS How to Add a Radiant Heat System

By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)

Enjoy comfy, consistent temperatures and maybe even energy savings with hydronic heating and cooling

Full Story

122

DINING ROOMS New This Week: 6 Modern Dining Zones in Homes Big and Small

By Mitchell Parker

Look to splashy accent walls, right-sized tables and indoor slides to make the most of your open layout

Full Story

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING 10 Great Outdoor Chill Zones

By Laura Gaskill

Whether you have a huge poolside deck or a sliver of a patio, these ideas will kick stress to the curb all summer long

Full Story

BASEMENTS Basement of the Week: From Dumping Ground to Family Zone in Minnesota

By Becky Harris

Erasing every trace of this basement's former life took creative thinking and smart design touches

Full Story

BATHROOM DESIGN 7 Reasons to Give Your Bath Zone a Living Room Vibe

By Natasha Saroca

With a few living room–like touches, you can transform your bathroom into a practical, relaxing retreat that’s overflowing with personality

Full Story

COLOR 8 Ways to Rev Up Your Garden Color With More Than Just Plants

By Becky Harris

Bring energy and excitement to your outdoor space by going bold with color, from small touches to big changes

Full Story

LIVING ROOMS Storage Ideas for Small Living Rooms

By Victoria Harrison

You may have more space in your living room than you think. See 11 often-overlooked places for storage, seating and more

Full Story

SOUTHWEST GARDENING Understanding the American Southwest's Three Main Climate Zones

By QUERCUS

If you live in one of the arid or semiarid regions of the U.S. Southwest, this gardening zone guide is for you

Full Story

THE HARDWORKING HOME A New Drop Zone Keeps the Clutter at Bay

By Becky Harris

The Hardworking Home: A clever wall-mounted station for keys, phones and more helps a family stay organized

Full Story

Zoned System - Heat in more than one zone

Comments (2)

mike_home

Austin Air Companie

Related Discussions

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US