Cost savings realized from zone heating???
#1
Administrator Alumnus
Thread Starter
Cost savings realized from zone heating???
Just got back from a subdivision gathering where we were discussing ways to make our homes more energy efficient. Other than the obvious, more attic insulation, etc. one item that was brought up was having a zone system to independently control the temperature on the first and second floors.
As I understand it, they install a "brain" that controls two dampers, one that would control the first floor duct work and one for the second floor ductwork.
Basically like having two furnaces...
Anyone have this? Is there a real advantage to doing this?
As I understand it, they install a "brain" that controls two dampers, one that would control the first floor duct work and one for the second floor ductwork.
Basically like having two furnaces...
Anyone have this? Is there a real advantage to doing this?
#4
Administrator Alumnus
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by sho_nuff1997
i'm not sure it's that different than keeping your thermostat at one temp.
just because the dampers close doesn't mean the heat/air is off.![Dunno](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/dunno.gif)
just because the dampers close doesn't mean the heat/air is off.
![Dunno](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/dunno.gif)
#7
Senior Moderator
In my new house, I have two of the Air Handlers. The house is 3x times the size of the old one, but it has a lower electric bill. Things I do to save energy:
1. Energy saving bulbs, even the dimming ones for chandliers
2. Low-E windows
3. Blackout curtains
4. Special insulation/sheilding under the roof
5. keep heat at 70 and ac at 75
My electric bill is about 100 dollars a month, and thats with 4 people in the house.
BTW, house size is 4000 Sq. feet, 2 floors.
1. Energy saving bulbs, even the dimming ones for chandliers
2. Low-E windows
3. Blackout curtains
4. Special insulation/sheilding under the roof
5. keep heat at 70 and ac at 75
My electric bill is about 100 dollars a month, and thats with 4 people in the house.
BTW, house size is 4000 Sq. feet, 2 floors.
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#8
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by Scrib
I don't think so... I wouldn't be heating the entire floor. Seems like there would be a savings???
#9
I feel the need...
Originally Posted by Scrib
As I understand it, they install a "brain" that controls two dampers, one that would control the first floor duct work and one for the second floor ductwork.
Basically like having two furnaces...
Basically like having two furnaces...
Anyone have this? Is there a real advantage to doing this?
http://www.arzelzoning.com/whyarzel.html
Decided against it for now, the $4000 cost wouldn't be recouped in this market and Wifey decided the house is comfortable as it is now.
Also, I think the system is less effective for the open floor plans, great rooms and two story foyers which are quite common features in new home construction.
#10
you will never recover the cost of modifying your existing system to have a multi-zone heating control system thru energy cost savings...the savings are going to be negligable.
if its that important to you to have that type of system, do it for your personal comfort or bragging rights or whatever but certainly not for any cost savings.
if its that important to you to have that type of system, do it for your personal comfort or bragging rights or whatever but certainly not for any cost savings.
#11
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Thread Starter
Originally Posted by BubbaMarkTL
you will never recover the cost of modifying your existing system to have a multi-zone heating control system thru energy cost savings...the savings are going to be negligable.
if its that important to you to have that type of system, do it for your personal comfort or bragging rights or whatever but certainly not for any cost savings.
if its that important to you to have that type of system, do it for your personal comfort or bragging rights or whatever but certainly not for any cost savings.
#12
Originally Posted by Scrib
So I wouldn't realize the $1000 investment over a 20 year period? What's the point of these systems then? Purely comfort?
20 years? ok, perhaps youd recoup that investment. but lets get real, you dont plan to stay in your current house for 20 years. even if you say or think you do now, you wont, staying in houses for 20-30-40 years is what the older generations did....you planted your roots and that was it. in this day and age people dont do that anymore...at least not nearly as much.
#13
Administrator Alumnus
Thread Starter
So, I've elected to move forward with this. And putting in a nice humidifier too...
I've learned this the zoning is more for comfort, which we're fine with.
I've learned this the zoning is more for comfort, which we're fine with.
#14
it's me, Alan Rickman.
Originally Posted by Scrib
So, I've elected to move forward with this. And putting in a nice humidifier too...
I've learned this the zoning is more for comfort, which we're fine with.
I've learned this the zoning is more for comfort, which we're fine with.
All of the two stories in our area have ZTE - Zoned Thermal Equalizers; basically like you mentioned above - if my upstairs thermostat is set to 80, but downstairs I want it set to 75, it will stop airflow to the upstairs and cool downstairs.
You may also want to look into "Smart Vent"; that's what Beutler calls it anyways - it's basically a whole house fan that sits up on the roof, when the system sees the desired temperature indoors can be achieved by pulling in fresh air from outside, it will pull in the air.. For example, if my house is 85 degrees, and I have the thermostat set to 75, but it's 70 outside, the system will use the outside air to cool down the house instead of running the compressor.. saves energy but also allows fresh air in the home without having to open up the windows [ie.. if you're gone!]
#15
Team Owner
Humidifier is definitely a good move.
#17
Administrator Alumnus
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by dallison
what about an electronic air cleaner
So, I decided against going any type of route for the time being.
#18
it's me, Alan Rickman.
Originally Posted by Scrib
Having gotten multiple bids, it was amazing to see how many people said electric air cleaners were crap and to go with media air cleaners... And others who said the complete opposite.
So, I decided against going any type of route for the time being.
So, I decided against going any type of route for the time being.
:IONICBREEZEFTW:
#20
it's me, Alan Rickman.
Originally Posted by Scrib
Where's the red text?
I had one I thought it worked good.. unless it was just making it's own crap to put on the collection grids ?
#21
Administrator Alumnus
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by fleshy
I had one I thought it worked good.. unless it was just making it's own crap to put on the collection grids ?
Edit:
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/h...rper-image.htm
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