What is Zoned Air Conditioning and How Does it Work?

Summer’s just around the corner, and that means scorching temperatures and sweaty nights aren’t far off. If you’ve been telling yourself that it’s time to install air conditioning then this is the year to do it!

The good news is that homeowners are spoiled for choice these days. There are dozens of varieties of air conditioners to choose from, so it’s easy to find a solution that meets your needs and budget. One of the most popular options is zoned air conditioning. With the ability to cool every space in your home at once, zoned ducted air conditioning is a great choice for homeowners across Australia.

What is Zoned Air Conditioning?

Zoned air conditioning is a type of air conditioning that allows you to control the temperature in multiple rooms at once. Zoned systems use a central air conditioning unit that generates cool air and distributes it throughout your home via ductwork in the ceiling.

While zoned systems are usually powered by ducted air conditioners, not all ducted air conditioning systems offer zoning controls. Specifically, zoned air conditioning is the ability to separate your ductwork into multiple zones. Each zone is fitted with a motorised valve that can be used to block the flow of air at the press of a button. Depending on your needs, zones can be vented to a single space, or each zone can also feed multiple vents at once.

The Benefits of Zoned Air Conditioning

Zoned air conditioning is one of the best investments you can make in the value of your property. With the right system, you’ll be able to stay cool in summer and warm in winter without having to install multiple air conditioners. The main benefits of zoned air conditioning include:

• Cool your whole house. Zoned air conditioning is more powerful than split system air conditioners. While a split system is great for keeping a single space cool, ducted systems can cool every room in your home at once. If you live in a hot climate then ducted air conditioning is a great solution for cooling your home without needing lots of separate split system units.
• Energy efficiency. Powerful ducted systems consume more energy than split system air conditioners. But, if you need to cool multiple rooms at once, ducted air conditioners come out on top. The ability to turn zones on and off also means you can focus on cooling the rooms you’re using and reduce the amount of power the system is consuming.
• Discreet and quiet installation. The noisiest part of a ducted air conditioning system is installed outside your home where it can’t be heard. Inside the home all you’ll see is discreet vents – typically installed in the ceiling or floor. These vents have a much lower visual impact on your home’s design and they make almost no noise.
• Flexibility. Not using every room in your home? Great! Zoned air conditioning allows you to open or close individual zones whenever you like. That means you can shut the door to rooms you aren’t using, switch off the zone and avoid cooling unused spaces.

The Disadvantages of Zoned Air Conditioning

Installing ducted air conditioning is a big task. There are a few things you should think about before making your decision. When in doubt, ask an air conditioning installer for their advice on:

• Up front installation costs. Installing zoned air conditioning is an involved process. That means the up front cost is much higher than installing a split system air conditioner.
• Whether your home is suitable. Zoned air conditioners are only effective if they use ductwork of the right size. Not all homes have sufficient space in the ceiling or under the floor to install the necessary ducts.
• If there are alternatives. Powerful ducted air conditioning is great for a lot of homeowners, but it’s not always the best choice. If you’re on a budget or you only need to cool one or two rooms, it’s often better to invest in split system air conditioning.

Get More From Your Ducted Air Conditioning with Technicool!

Zoned ducted air conditioning is one of the best additions you can make to your home. Not only does it increase the value, it gives you an easy way to stay comfortable year-round. But it pays to get it right when you’re investing in ducted air conditioning. The right air conditioning unit and a skilled installer can make the difference by designing a zoning plan that works for your whole family.

If you’d like to know more, Technicool would love to help! We’re experienced air conditioning installers working with both residential and commercial clients across Brisbane. We know exactly how hot local summers can get, so we design zoned air conditioning installations to meet your needs and budget. Contact us today and book an appointment to find out more!