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robkindovernh User is Offline

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01/08/2009 2:22 PM
I had the option to add some heating/copoling zones during my new construction, but decided that the cost would never be recouped, and I would just go with a single zone for my 1900 SF 2 floor house. While this seems to be working out for the heating season, I have been thinking more carefully about my cooling needs, and think I may have made a mistake here. For purposes of sleeping, I need a fairly cool bedroom (at most 62 degrees). THis means that for the summer months, I either need to cool down the whole house to this level, or run a window unit, neither of which appeals to me. So I would like to add a second zone for just my bedroom. It is a ClimateMaster open loop system and forced air heating and cooling. Any advice on where I might start looking into this? Can anyone give me some idea of what it entails to have an additional zone retro-fitted? Does anyone have a better suggestion for my needs than adding this extra zone? (Like will running the window unit be actually more cost effective?) Cost effectiveness of the sopplution is important, but not the only guiding factor. thanks for any help.

tuffluckdriller User is Offline

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01/08/2009 3:08 PM
I prefer arzel zoning for your purpose. Check it out at www.arzelzoning.com They have a great product.

Clark Timothy (clark@pinksdx.com) VP sales, Tuff Luck Geothermal Drilling Geothermal, Heating and Cooling that's Dirt Cheap!

robkindovernh User is Offline

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01/08/2009 5:45 PM
That is exactly the kind of system I was hoping might exist. In fact, it looks completely awesome at first glance. I may be able to add more than just one zone to my home with this and really have customized comfort in every room. Amy I losing much efficiency of the heatpump having multiple small zones (I am thinking individual bedroom controls for all 3 bedrooms, and possible controls for each bathroom). I now know that I will get nothing done this evening as I read their web site. THanks for the pointer.

tuffluckdriller User is Offline

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01/08/2009 8:07 PM
How many tons is your system?

Clark Timothy (clark@pinksdx.com) VP sales, Tuff Luck Geothermal Drilling Geothermal, Heating and Cooling that's Dirt Cheap!

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01/08/2009 9:17 PM
Beware too small zones - they need to be sized so any one can take minimum airflow of the unit or a bypass or a barometric dump needs to be installed. 62 is a very very low cooling setpoint - even with zoning it will be tough to achieve - was the house manual J load calculation run with that in mind? That is 10-15 degrees below normal summer indoor design temperature. Depending on summer dewpoint in you area, a 62 degree interior temperature could result in a temperature gradient across wall cavities promoting mold formation in stud bays, particularly on the back paper of drywall. You really want to avoid that situation. If you are serious about maintaining a 62 degree bedroom, consider closed cell sprayfoam insulation for that rooms walls (possibly even interior walls) and densarmor or similar non-cellulosic drywall. Then install a mini-split ductless airconditioner in the bedroom sized for 62 degree setpoint. It will almost certainly be more efficient than trying to do this with a small zone off a central heat pump, and it stands a greater chance of actually working. Minisplits work like window airconditioners but so much better - no window needed, much more efficient, much quieter.

Without data, you only have an opinion.

Geothermalman User is Online

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01/09/2009 9:14 AM
Trying to get your bedroom down to 62 degrees in cooling with a zoning system will probably lead to a freeze up. Id look into a ductless ac unit by Fujitsu or Mitsubishi (fujitsugeneral.com or mrslim.com)

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