One of the latest buzzwords from the HVAC industry is the term “zone heating”. This may also be called zone cooling and heating or zone climate control, but they all mean the same thing.
When it comes to a home or a commercial building, zone heating is an excellent energy saving idea. And, since it saves on energy, it will also save on the cost of heating, and cooling, on an ongoing basis.
The Basics
Basically zone heating refers to the individual climate controls offered within a system for particular areas of the home. This could be room by room or areas of a larger home which are used in the same way.
These systems use smart thermostats and programmable systems which allow the homeowner or business owner to control the temperature in different zones independently of any other zones. For example, in a home with two levels the upper levels, containing the bedrooms, could be set to have a lower temperature in the day and a slightly higher temperature at night when people are using the level. However, both zones could also be shut off during the day if no one was at home.
A Fireplace
A fireplace can also play a role in zone heating cost and energy saving depending on the way zones are set up in the home. A good example would be a gas or wood fireplace in a living room area or in a family room set up as one zone. When the fireplace was on the family could reduce the heat going into the specific room, or zone, and allow the heat from the fireplace to serve as the heat source.
This is not only economical, but it also helps to prevent problems with overall temperature control in the home. Depending on where thermostats are located running a fireplace plus having a single zone home will result in having to turn the thermostat down, making the room with the fireplace comfortable but the rest of the house too cold.
While the initial purchase, installation and set-up of zone heating or zone control for the entire HVAC system is more costly than a traditional single zone option, the results in energy savings can be considerable over the life of the home. It can also help to reduce demands on the heating system in the winter and the air conditioner in the summer, extending the life of the entire system and increasing the time between replacements.
To learn more about how Kozy Heat Fireplaces can support a zone heating system in your home, visit us today. We are easy to find online at.
