Can You Add Zones to an Existing HVAC System

If you need HVAC experts in boiling Springs, SC, that can handle any project you toss their way, contact Smooth Sailing Heating & Cooling.



Many homeowners yearn for a way to heat or cool individual rooms so they can keep every family member comfortable and happy. However, heating or cooling a room without affecting another is nearly impossible, causing many people to wonder if they can set up zones for their air conditioner. So, can you add zones to an existing HVAC system?

Smooth Sailing Heating & Cooling is here to teach you everything you need to know about adding zones to your HVAC system. 

What Is HVAC Zoning?

HVAC zoning allows you to warm or cool specific rooms of your home without affecting another area’s climate. For example, with zoning, you can cool your home’s second story while keeping the downstairs relatively warm. HVAC zoning gives you more control over your residence’s interior climate, making it perfect for families with different temperature preferences.

However, although many newer, larger homes allow homeowners to connect numerous systems to the ductwork, older residences only accommodate one HVAC system. 

So, can you add zones to an existing HVAC system? 

How to Add Zones to an HVAC System

You can incorporate more zones to your HVAC network even if your home only supports a single system. That said, it’s a bit complicated and often isn’t worth the hassle.

Adding zones to a traditional HVAC system requires you to install dampers inside the air ducts. This dramatically increases the static pressure inside the ductwork since the blower only functions at 100% capacity. Although installing a bypass duct will redirect some excess air, it will send it back to the return, cooling the evaporator coils.

Cool evaporator coils don’t operate as efficiently as lukewarm coils, reducing the HVAC system’s effectiveness. Bypass ducts will also put more stress on the HVAC unit, causing much more wear and tear while increasing your energy costs.

Using this method to add zones will drastically reduce your HVAC’s performance while making it more prone to damage. That’s why it's best to replace your equipment with variable speed varieties to ensure optional operation.

Why Upgrade to Variable Speed Equipment Before Adding HVAC Zones

Variable speed equipment prevents excess static pressure within ductwork by matching the heating and cooling requirements for a specific zone. It also prevents you from installing bypass ducts that limit your HVAC unit’s efficiency.

Although upgrading to variable speed equipment might seem expensive, it provides more energy savings in the long run compared to the traditional zoning method.

Benefits of HVAC Zoning

HVAC zoning provides numerous benefits that will help your home stay comfortable year round. Below are just some advantages of HVAC zoning.

Gives You More Control Over Your Home’s Climate

Zoning allows you to heat or cool specific rooms and not others, giving you more control over your climate. Each region has separate thermostats, allowing you to set different temperatures for each room of the house. This prevents family fights over the control panel's settings, ensuring everyone stays comfortable no matter their preferred climate.

Increases Energy Savings

Since zoning allows you to set different temperatures for specific rooms, you won’t have to waste money heating or cooling unoccupied spaces. You can close off unused rooms to keep them at a stable temperature, then only turn on the AC in those rooms when you need to use them. It’s a fantastic way to lower your energy costs without sacrificing your comfort.

Keeps Second Story Rooms Comfortable

Most second story rooms are three to seven degrees warmer than first-story areas due the reverse stack effect and heat rising from the bottom floor.

However, zoning ensures that your second floor remains just as comfortable as the first story, keeping your entire house feeling pleasant year-round. You won't have to waste money and energy setting your central AC thermostat a few degrees lower just to cool down the upstairs. 

Contact Smooth Sailing Heating & Cooling for Exceptional HVAC Services in Boiling Springs, SC

Instead of Googling, “Can you add zones to an existing HVAC system?” contact Smooth Sailing Heating & Cooling. Our team will install new HVAC zones in your home while answering any HVAC questions you have along the way. No matter your heating and air conditioning needs, Smooth Sailing Heating & Cooling can get the job done, guaranteed. 

Give Smooth Sailing Heating & Cooling a call (864) 689-2303 or complete our online form and see what our HVAC specialists can do for you today!