What is an HVAC Zoning System?

By Anne Fonda

With a standard HVAC system, one thermostat controls the temperature in the whole house. Theoretically, the system heats and cools each room to the same temperature. But because heat rises and large windows let in a lot of sunlight, and other factors, some rooms are almost always warmer or colder than others.

With a zoned system, each zone is controlled by separate thermostats, or by a multi-zone thermostat that uses HVAC sensors installed strategically throughout the home. The most common HVAC zoning system is part of a traditional ducted split system, with an AC unit or heat pump outside and a furnace or air handler inside. 

Together with an HVAC professional, you divide your home into two or more zones. With American Standard Link Zoning and AccuLink™ Zoning Systems, you can have 6-8 separate zones. A matched system with an AC unit or heat pump paired with a variable-speed furnace or variable-speed air handler is required for our zoned systems.  

Both systems work with multiple temperature sensors, either wireless or wired to a control panel, and a series of motorized modulating HVAC zone dampers. Dampers are metal plates inserted into the ductwork to help direct and control airflow. 

Zone temperature sensors and humidity sensors provide data to the system controller, prompting changes in the heating or cooling based on the schedule you set. The system controller signals the dampers to open or close partway or completely to redirect conditioned air where it’s needed. 

You have HVAC zone control via the system controller or the American Standard Home App, which gives you control of your system no matter where you are.

HVAC zoning for a ducted system is most cost-effective when it’s installed in new construction, but retrofitting an existing non-zoned system is possible. You might need additional ductwork, resized, or redesigned ductwork, adding to the cost. Depending on your needs and your existing system, duct sealing or a ductless system might offer a solution.

If you find that retrofitting your ductwork to incorporate the dampers needed in a traditional zoned HVAC system is cost-prohibitive, there is another option - ductless systems. A ductless mini-split or multi-split system doesn’t need ductwork to heat and cool a room or an entire home.

You could add a single-zone ductless mini-split for one room that needs help with heating and cooling. You could also consider a multi-zone ductless system as well. These systems work well to heat and cool an entire home. 

Each indoor unit connects to an outdoor unit (mini-split heat pump or multi-split unit) via refrigerant lines. Each indoor unit has a remote control, so you can set a different temperature for each room or zone.

There are a lot of benefits to heating and AC zoning, including:

A note of caution - An HVAC zoning system is only as good as the design and installation so be sure to work with HVAC contractors experienced in these systems.

This is a conversation to have with an HVAC professional. For many two-story homes, a dual-zone HVAC system with one zone being the downstairs and one zone being the upstairs can be a good solution.

For larger homes with multiple levels and wings, a multi-zone HVAC system might be most efficient. 

HVAC zoning is not necessary for every home. In our experience, homeowners who get the most benefit from HVAC zoning live in homes with:

If you have a hot upstairs and cold downstairs, or the rooms furthest from your HVAC system never seem to be cool or warm enough, a zoned HVAC system could increase your comfort. 

Is a zoned HVAC system right for your home? Learn about options tailored to your home by consulting with your local American Standard dealer.

A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need. 

She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism. When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.

Expert review by David Lothe Product Manager, Communications and Accessories, System Controls