HVAC Zoning Question- Single vs. Split Zone?
pdk830
6 years ago
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6 years agolast modified: 6 years agopdk830
6 years agoRelated Discussions
HVAC Zoning dampers vs. 2 systems
Comments (5)2 systems would give you redundancy if the system failed. 2 systems would also give you twice as much equipment to take care of and more of a chance of something to break (twice as many parts). Carrier's Infinity zoning system is pretty sophisticated and probably the easiest route to go with a pre-existing setup. Carrier is OK equipment. Since you're zoning I think the Infinity would be a good system for that. I've heard good things about the Infinity system as a whole. Just one question: why not the newest Infinity ICS 3-stage furnace?...See MoreMulti Zoned Hvac?
Comments (3)Agent I am a big believer in the KISS principle. You are familiar with that? I think one has to ask themselves what they are attempting to accomplish and then weigh the costs. Multi zoning off one HVAC system can be successful. There are several components that must be brought together to make this work. This includes the best selection of zoning controls, ductwork sizing and design, correctly sized HVAC, and probably the most important would be an HVAC dealer who has demonstrated experience in this area. The last may be the difficult part. If you decide to pursue this, ask dealer to take you to a job that he performed so you can see it. IMO...See MoreHVAC: House Design - HVAC input please
Comments (6)I suggest separate systems for the first and second floor. That is the best way to have even temperatures on each floor. It costs more up front, but you potentially have lower operating costs. You could zone the loft off the second floor system. However if you are going to be working 10 hours days with multiple pieces of equipment generating heat then spend the money on a mini split....See MoreHVAC questions regarding units and zones for new home build
Comments (20)Just to echo - zoning will not help much in energy costs. I am very strict on energy use - like top 1%. My newer 3800 sqft house on 2 stories is not zoned (but we do have 1 unit per floor). There are no areas in Florida that see extreme temperatures that I know of. The outside temp is always pretty close to the desired indoor temp. So shutting off one area is of little value even if the house is poorly insulated. If you lived in Minn and it got to -10 or you lived in Arizona and it got to 120, it would still not be worth it but at least it would be closer. The issue in Florida is solar gain and humidity control. Focus on those things with humidity control being about air sealing and proper bathroom venting (I am really like humidistat controlled fans - especially for children). It is always fairly helpful to consider what $7k would get you in solar panels. Perhaps 50 times the savings of zoning? Do basic things like make sure ductwork is in conditioned space (I think FL code strongly encourages this). But mostly, overhang your southern windows and avoid western windows (and east too). Also balancing the number of east and west windows will help with sizing and long run times. If you just have western, you will get long run times in the second 1/2 of the day but short in the first. Make sure you have long a/c run times to maximize humidity removal - and generally zoning will shorten runtimes which leads to suboptimal humidity control. Also - I can't imagine zoning a single unit to cover your house. Not in Florida with a modern house. Now you can do a mini or two for special circumstances. But that is another can or worms. I have to laugh at the "four filters" to change. Oh the horror. I think I have 8 filters in my house. One in each bedroom. After a year, they still look new. Heck, I have 2000 sqft houses that have 3. It isn't that big of a deal. I would rather have more and change them less often. Rule of thumb for filter removal is pretty dumb - like 30 days or 90 days....See MoreGannonCo
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