Let’s talk about an imaginary company serving Glenwood Springs, Aspen, and Vail, CO. There are usually three or four employees in the showroom open to the public. The door to the outside is opening and closing constantly. John, Judy, and Jim work in the office answering phones and doing paperwork. There are at least three others who work in the warehouse area doing physical work related to shipping & receiving and fulfilling online orders. What do you think the odds are the workers in all those different areas will be comfortable with the same air temperature? Based on our experience at Climate Control Company, the answer would be slim and none. Now you understand why sophisticated zoning and controls are so important in commercial heating and cooling systems.
Customized temperature control
An easy and efficient way to accomplish this is with a mini split system. The indoor units can be networked together to create multiple zones. A single outdoor unit (compressor) can create one large zone, eight unique zones, and anything in between. Each zone has a separate thermostat or remote control to set the temperature in that specific room or area; in our case the showroom, office, and warehouse. While traditionally a ductless form of heating and cooling, this type of system can be adapted to existing ductwork as well.
Zoning in a forced air system
Sophisticated zoning is also possible in a more traditional forced air heating and cooling system. There are dampers built into the ductwork and zoning controls manipulate the dampers which can change or redirect airflow to specific areas. The zoning controls are wired into a central control panel coordinating the correct amount of heated or cooled air going to each area. In other words, a great way to keep all the workers at our imaginary company comfortable throughout the workday.
How expensive is zoning?
I understand why many of our clients want an immediate answer to this question. But any blanket statements about how expensive a zoned heating and cooling system will be for your Glenwood Springs, Aspen, or Vail, CO business would be irresponsible. There are just too many variables. How many zones are needed? Is it a ductless system? Will the work require replacing the current HVAC ductwork? Climate Control will be happy to give you a no-obligation estimate that will allow us to talk specific numbers.
We’re here to help
There are many companies identical to our imaginary example, and Climate Control Company has been serving many of them since we opened our doors in 1956. You can trust us for all of your commercial heating and cooling needs. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more great information like this.
