SINGLE-ZONE VS MULTIZONE
One room’s too cold and another too hot — you need better temperature control for your home. HVAC systems give you the comfort and control you want. There comes a point, where you may wonder… if you should choose a single-zone or multi-zone HVAC system. Both options come with their own benefits, but ultimately, the one you should choose will depend on your specific situation.
If you aren’t sure which HVAC system you need, we’re here to help. Consider your home and needs and compare single-zone versus multi-zone HVAC systems with the below guide.
What Is a Single-Zone System?
A single-zone HVAC system serves one area or room of your home. How does a single-zone HVAC system work? With a single unit, this system provides the same cooling or heating throughout an area to adjust the temperature. You could use a single-zone HVAC if:
- You have an addition: When you add on to your house, the new area won’t be connected to the rest of your home’s HVAC. A single-zone system helps cool, heat and ventilate the new area.
- You have an area that needs extra control: Your current HVAC system may under-serve some areas of your home. Attics and other rooms may be hotter or colder than you like. A single-zone system helps you better control those spots.
- You have a garage or workshop: Some homeowners condition the air in a garage or workshop with a single-zone HVAC system instead of a window unit. Then, you can still use your windows for airflow while maintaining the temperature and ventilation.
- You have a small home: Small cabins or other small homes may only need a single-zone system to stay comfortable. That’ll depend on the capacity of the system you’re considering. Just ensure you have adequate airflow with fans to distribute the air throughout your home.
What Is a Multi-Zone System?
A multi-zone HVAC system lets you cool, heat or ventilate multiple rooms in your home. But how does a multi-zone HVAC system work? Multiple units go throughout your home to serve different rooms or areas. You get independent control of the spaces within your house with this system because it creates different zones. You may want a multi-zone HVAC system if:
- You have a large or multileveled home: With multiple levels or large square footage, your home needs more than one HVAC unit. A multi-zone system can accommodate most or all of the rooms and spaces of a larger house.
- You have rooms with different needs: If an area of your house needs to be cooled more, like the kitchen, and other rooms need to be heated, like bedrooms, a multi-zone system helps you make those adjustments.
- You live in an old house: An old house makes it challenging to install new ductwork. A multi-zone HVAC system does require installation, but it won’t be as invasive as running ducts through the walls since every room has its own unit.
Single-Zone vs. Multi-Zone HVAC Systems
To decide which system is best for you, you need to look primarily at your needs and home. If your house could use either a single– or multi-zone system, or you aren’t sure which suits your needs, compare the two solutions — from their advantages to the installation process.
Pros of Single-Zone and Multi-Zone HVAC Systems
No matter which system you choose, you’ll get the advantages of versatile applications and precise temperature control. From there, you can evaluate the pros of single-zone versus multi-zone HVAC systems since they come with different advantages. The benefits of single-zone HVAC include:
- Lower cost: Because a single-zone system involves fewer components than a multi-zone installation, it makes sense that a single-zone option is cheaper. That doesn’t mean you should take the lower-cost route and get a single-zone system, though, especially if you have a larger home. But it is an added benefit when you do need a single-zone system.
- Enhanced comfort: Whether you have an addition or an under-served home area, a single-zone HVAC helps you control its temperature. You won’t have an upstairs room that’s too hot or a downstairs room that’s too cold. Instead, you can enhance the comfort of a room or space in your home to your exact needs.
- Efficient size: With a smaller space or home, a single-zone system is the way to go. A larger unit or traditional system will shut on and off more often as it won’t take long to adjust your space to the right temperature. That puts unnecessary wear and tear on the machine, meaning you’ll have to get maintenance and repairs more often.
While the pros of a single-zone installation are appealing, multi-zone options also come with their own advantages. The benefits of multi-zone HVAC include:
- Energy efficiency: Be more efficient with your energy spending when you have a multi-zone system. You can adjust the temperature to be more efficient or turn off the HVAC completely in zones that cover unused parts of your home.
- Better control: Traditional systems only accurately adjust the temperature in the room with the thermostat. A multi-zone system helps you control the temperature in any room or area with its own unit. That gives you better temperature control and accuracy throughout your house.
- Customization: Better control means you can customize the temperature in every room. This custom comfort is particularly useful for bedrooms. Everyone likes to sleep in a room with a different temperature, and a multi-zone system lets you do that. That means everyone in your home will sleep comfortably with a multi-zone HVAC.
Single-Zone vs. Multi-Zone HVAC Installation
The installation process varies between these HVAC systems. Again, you shouldn’t compromise and choose one over the other just based on these factors. You’ll have to pick what’s best for your home, but understanding single-zone versus multi-zone HVAC installation will help you see the difference between the two options:
- Single-zone: For a single-zone system, you have an outdoor and indoor unit. This setup is known as a one-to-one configuration, and it also includes a drain line, cable and line set.
- Multi-zone: A multi-zone HVAC uses one outdoor unit and multiple indoor units. How many indoor units you need will vary with how many rooms or areas you want to control.
single zone
MINI-SPLIT SYSTEMS
| GOLD | PLATINUM | HI-HEAT SERIES |
- New Standard High Efficiency.
- Perfect for achieving true-zoning in applications where thermal loads may vary within the same building/residence.
- Capacity output is significantly higher than traditional units.
- Indoor high-wall evaporator units are available from 9,000 BTUH to 36,000 BTUH.
multi zone
Applications
- A single outdoor condensing unit can power up to 5 different indoor evaporators.
- There are more than 249 possible combinations ranging from 9,000 BTUH to 36,000 BTUH in High-Wall Mounts and Multi-Position Air Handler Units offering contractors flexibility in system designing.