Thanks to advances in technology, there are many options for cooling and heating your home. Some of the most recent innovations are mini-split systems and zoned systems.
What Is a Zoned HVAC System?
As the name suggests, it is an HVAC system configuration that creates temperature zones in your home. The design allows your system to heat or cool at different temperatures across the house. You can create zones for every room in your home. But most systems limit it to specific areas of the building. These are usually places that you frequent more than other rooms. Zoning helps to avoid conditioning areas that are unoccupied or rarely used.
Traditionally, HVAC systems had to utilize dampers to control the flow of air through the ductwork. The device is fully open when there is a need for more airflow to regulate temperatures.
Why Choose a Zoned HVAC System?
By limiting heating and cooling to the rooms you are using, the system consumes less energy. Your equipment won’t have to operate around the clock to maintain comfortable temperatures. Therefore, zoning helps you manage power consumption more effectively. It also helps to prevent wear and tear on your AC system.
Additionally, you can customize each zone to fit your preferences and needs. Customizing the temperature settings offers more comfort for occupants in the building. Say, for example, you are working from home and have to sit in front of your computer all day, which gets hot. You can keep only your home office cool while raising the temperature in the rest of the house. And then, you can program the zones to switch at the close of your workday.
What Is a Mini-Split System?
The principal components of a mini-split system are the indoor air handler and outdoor compressor unit. They are versatile and compact because they do not require ductwork.
A mini-split system can either be a single or multi-zone system. The indoor air handler connects to the outdoor unit through a series of small tubes that carry a refrigerant. A mini-split system employs a heat pump to transfer energy from the indoors and outdoors.
Mini-split air conditioners only use a fraction of the energy that conventional systems consume. They are also easy to install. They are often the best option when you need to expand your HVAC system to other rooms.
If you want to add an extra room, such as a mother-in-law suite, a single zoned system is the best option. You only need a 3-inch-thick conduit to connect the outdoor and indoor units. The configuration eliminates the issues that are prevalent with ducted systems.
Most mini-split systems are aesthetically pleasing and compact. They have become a popular option for offices, homes, and apartments. The type of system that you install depends on your needs. [Company_name]’s staff can provide an assessment of your current system to offer honest recommendations in Tampa.
Difference Between Zoned and Mini-Split Systems
Mini-split systems refer to an HVAC unit with an outdoor handler and one or more indoor air handlers. Zoning involves configuring the system to heat areas of your home independently.
A zoned system may be ducted or ductless. A ductless mini-split system is a more viable option for modern homes. For zoning, multiple indoor air handlers regulate temperatures depending on the settings. Zoning with multi-split systems offers a wide range of options for installation. You can place the indoor air handler up to 50 feet from the outdoor unit. This means that you can place the compressor in a more secure area of your home.
Choosing the Best System for Your Needs
A zoned system can help address your home’s comfort needs more precisely and conveniently. For example, if the number of occupants increases, you can add an air handler to the rooms. Each occupant can choose their settings without overworking the system.
Even though they are easier to install than traditional zoning, ductless zoned systems may require a professional installation. Your equipment’s efficiency will depend on the placement of the air handler. The sizing and capacity of the mini-split unit have to match the needs of your home.
Nonetheless, mini-splits have high energy efficiency ratings compared to conventional systems. You can save up to 30% of your home’s energy consumption by using mini-split zoned systems. They employ sophisticated compressors to cut down power usage.
Ahoy! Cooling & Heating is an EPA-certified and BBB accredited business in Tampa with A+ ratings. We offer mini-split system installation, indoor air quality, and zoning solutions to boost your home’s comfort. You can expect personalized services and exceptional craftsmanship from our staff. Schedule an appointment today for unrivaled heating and cooling solutions in Tampa.
