Zoning Control—Multi-Zone Comfort for Ducted Systems

Set different temperatures in different areas—without running two systems. Zoning adds motorized dampers in your ducts plus a zone control panel and thermostats/sensors for each area (e.g., upstairs/downstairs, bedrooms/living). Your system sends air only where it’s needed, so comfort is steadier and equipment runs smarter.

How it works (simple)

Thermostats call for their zones → the control panel opens the right dampers and signals the furnace/air handler or heat pump → airflow is balanced so one zone doesn’t steal from another. With an ECM variable-speed blower, the system ramps to match the active zones.

When zoning makes sense

• Two-story homes with hot upstairs, cool downstairs
• Large/open plans with mixed sun exposure
• Bedrooms and living areas that need different schedules
• Additions/ADUs tied to the main duct system

Key options & components

• Motorized dampers: round or rectangular; retrofit or new trunks/takeoffs
• Zone control panel: coordinates calls from multiple thermostats
• Smart thermostats/sensors: per-zone schedules, app control
• Static pressure management: proper return air, supply sizing, and blower setup (we avoid old-school “bypass” tricks that waste energy)
• IAQ upgrades: high-capacity media filter so added resistance doesn’t choke airflow

Benefits

• Targeted comfort (no more “one temp fits all”)
• Shorter run times when only a few rooms need conditioning
• Quieter operation with variable-speed blowers and correctly set airflow

Installation process

1. On-site assessment: duct sizing, static pressure, zone layout, thermostat wiring, equipment compatibility.
2. Design & written pricing after the visit: zone count, damper locations, controls/thermostats, any duct tweaks.
3. Professional install & setup: dampers, panel, wiring, blower configuration, and safety checks.
4. Balancing & handoff: verify temps/airflow per zone and show you how to use schedules and app control.

Brands we install & service

Honeywell/Home (Resideo), EWC, Aprilaire, Carrier/Bryant, Trane/American Standard, Lennox zoning controls and dampers work with most ECM air handlers/furnaces and many smart thermostats.

Schedule a technician visit for a detailed on-site zoning assessment and written estimate: 510-400-6425.