Adding zones to an existing HVAC system costs $1,700 to $2,800 for a two-zone system and $350 to $500 per additional zone. An HVAC zoning system allows homeowners to control the temperature in individual areas of the home independently, improving comfort and reducing energy costs. Multi-zone HVAC zoning example by room
Full Answer
How much does a zoned heating and cooling system cost?
Reviewed by Tom Grupa and 4 expert HVAC companies on HomeGuide. An HVAC zoning system costs $1,700 to $4,500 on average, depending on the number of zones and whether it's adding to a new or existing heating and cooling system. Adding a second zone to an existing HVAC costs $1,700 to $2,800, plus $350 to $500 per additional zone.
How much does zone air conditioning cost?
Conditioning one room or zone comes at a significantly different price than heating and cooling an entire home with eight or more zones. Generally, new HVAC zoning equipment can range in cost from under $3,000 for a one-room cooling option up to $15,000 or more for multiple zone heating and cooling systems. B. Installation Labor.
Why to use zone heating?
- Heat rises – if your home has a void area, this can lead to a lot of warm air from downstairs quickly transferring upstairs, and downstairs cooling off quickly
- Second storey rooms tend to heat up faster – during summer, this can mean that upstairs rooms need air conditioning, while downstairs ones don’t
- What if part of your home is built into a hill? ...
Which underfloor heating is cheapest to run?
Underfloor heating pros
- Efficient.
- It can be laid in new and old homes.
- It doesn’t take up wall space or dictate where you can put furniture – and it doesn’t show, unlike radiators!
- Even distribution of heat – radiators concentrate heat in one spot, and the heat rises to the top of the room, where it’s not helping anyone! ...
- Warm feet! ...
Can you add zones to an existing HVAC system?
Yes, you can add zones to an existing HVAC system. To convert your existing HVAC system to a zone system, you must do these: Install a zone control panel.
How much does it cost to add a zone to an existing HVAC system?
An HVAC zoning system costs $1,700 to $4,500 on average, depending on the number of zones and whether it's adding to a new or existing heating and cooling system. Adding a second zone to an existing HVAC costs $1,700 to $2,800, plus $350 to $500 per additional zone.
Is zoned heating worth it?
Zoning the heating system can save homeowners up to 30 percent on a typical heating and cooling bill, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Because heating and cooling accounts for more than 40 percent of an average household's utility costs, the savings from a zoned system can really add up.
How much does a zone board cost?
The downside is initial cost, typically ranging from $2,000 to $3,300 depending on the number of zones. That's just the cost of the zoning equipment and installation....HVAC Zoning System Cost.Number of ZonesNew ConstructionExisting HomeAdditional Zones$225 to $350 per zone$335 to $500 per zone3 more rows•Apr 21, 2022
How do I add another heating zone?
0:115:38How to Create Zones in a Forced-Air HVAC System | This Old HouseYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow if we had done those motorized dampers i was talking about i probably would have to cut intoMoreNow if we had done those motorized dampers i was talking about i probably would have to cut into this soffit right here and into this ductwork. And put one damper over here.
Can you add a zone to a split system?
You wouldn't be able to just add whatever air handlers you want, but yes, you can start with one zone and install the rest later on multi-zone mini splits. Multi-Zone mini splits do allow for installing and using only a portion of the air handlers they are built for.
Is multi zone HVAC worth it?
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.
How many heating zones should I have?
two heating zonesEvery home must be divided into at least two heating zones. Living and sleeping areas (zones) must be controlled at different temperatures by means of a thermostat. In larger homes, these zones must also be controlled at different times.
Can you have 2 thermostats on one furnace?
Yes, in principle, you can use two thermostats to control one HVAC zone. If correctly installed, set, and used you can actually save on your electricity bill. You can also connect more than one thermostat to a single HVAC unit.
Does heating need dual zone?
Benefits of Dual-Zone HVAC Without it, you may have to blast the air conditioner to keep the upper floors in your home cool while the unoccupied basement stays nice and chilly. The ability to transfer some of that cold basement air to the occupied rooms of your home saves energy.
How much does it cost to add dampers to ductwork?
If your damper isn't working, you'll need to replace the part. Expect to pay an average of $350 to replace a motorized HVAC damper, with a typical range of $250 to $450. However, you could pay as little as $100 or as much as $600.
How do you zone a furnace?
Steps for Zoning a Forced-Air Furnace & AC Unit: Cut into each flexible branch duct and install a motorized zone damper. Secure the damper to the duct with nylon cable ties. Make the wire connections at each motorized damper and run all the wires back to the control panel at the furnace.
How much does it cost to add dampers to ductwork?
If your damper isn't working, you'll need to replace the part. Expect to pay an average of $350 to replace a motorized HVAC damper, with a typical range of $250 to $450. However, you could pay as little as $100 or as much as $600.
Does heating need dual zone?
Benefits of Dual-Zone HVAC Without it, you may have to blast the air conditioner to keep the upper floors in your home cool while the unoccupied basement stays nice and chilly. The ability to transfer some of that cold basement air to the occupied rooms of your home saves energy.
What is a two zone HVAC system?
A zoned HVAC system splits your home into “zones” using motorized dampers, controlled by external thermostats, which are placed in the ductwork. This allows you to turn off cooling (or heating) to one section of the home while still providing other sections of the home with cooling or heating.
How much does it cost to install a second thermostat?
Q: How much does it cost to have a second thermostat installed? A: Most electricians can install a second thermostat in a house or apartment in less than two hours. They normally charge $65-$85 per hour. Thus the total labor cost will range from $65 to $170.
Why add zones to air handler?
That's why it's better to add zones when you have a variable speed blower and variable speed outdoor unit.
How to know if zoning is a good idea?
The best way to find out whether zoning is a good idea is through a home assessment from a Building Performance Institute-certified auditor. You'll find out whether your home is "leaky" and position yourself to make the smartest possible improvements. After that, you might still want to add zones - and that's fine!
How warm is the upstairs temperature?
Thanks to the reverse stack effect - not to mention warmer air rising from your downstairs living room to your upstairs bedrooms - upstairs temperatures can be 3 to 7 degrees warmer than the number on your thermostat. If you want the temperature in your bedroom to be 75 degrees at night, you might have to lower your thermostat to 68 degrees!
Can a two story house have hot upstairs and cold downstairs?
However, many homes were built to accommodate only one system. In two-story homes, lack of zoning can lead to hot upstairs rooms in summer and cold downstairs rooms in winter. It can be hard to achieve consistent comfort!
Do HVAC technicians install dampers?
All in all, opting for variable speed equipment is the best way to optimize value and comfort when adding zones: An HVAC technician will still install dampers inside your ductwork.
Can you live in a two story house without zoning?
Let's say you live in a two-story home without any zoning. During the summer, it's always nice and cool downstairs. That's where the thermostat is, so you can feel confident that the ambient temperature will match what's on your thermostat.
Can you add a damper to a duct system?
Installing dampers inside your ducts is the most common way to add zones to an existing system. However, your blower can only operate at 100% capacity. The static pressure will be too intense for just the ductwork associated with a single zone (50% or so of your total ductwork). You'll need a way to redirect the excess air.
