Zone control is a complex technology and dealing with dual-zone air conditioning problems requires some understanding of how they work. The best air conditioner system for you may not be a multi-zone system, but knowing how they work will help you make an informed choice. And, knowing when you need a permit to replace an air conditioner is also important, too.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- The most common issue with zone control systems is a broken or malfunctioning thermostat, which you can usually solve with a reset, but it may require physically cleaning contact points. That’s why you need to know how an air conditioner works.
- Other common issues included stuck dampers due to infrequency cleaning or maintenance and a malfunctioning or defective control panel, both of which can require professional repair
- Dual-zone systems are complex and can be delicate, so weighing whether upkeep costs, time, or labor is worth their benefits is important if you’re thinking about an upgrade.
While you’re at it, you may want to read about some other common issues with air conditioning technology, such as ducted air conditioning not working in one room. It may be that one of your rooms needs a more low-tech solution, in which case it would be a good idea to look into how well evaporator air coolers work.
Insider Tip
Dual-zone systems can be a great choice of HVAC for homes where different rooms have vastly different environmental control needs.
Dealing With Dual Zone Air Conditioning Problems
Dual-zone air conditioning systems are HVAC cooling systems that allow for customized control per room via a thermostat. Their convenience and relative ease of use comes with complicated technology that’s vulnerable to a few common issues, some of which can be dealt with DIY-style, and some of which may require the services of a professional.
Thermostat Malfunction
Thermostat issues are by far the most common for zone air systems. If any of your system’s individual room thermostats aren’t adjusting temperatures accurately or don’t seem to work at all, it’s usually an electronic issue that you can fix by performing a simple factory reset. But, if you notice the central A/C not blowing cold air, you have a major problem, Houston.
If a reset doesn’t work, you may need to clean the contact points of the thermostat itself or replace the batteries, both of which are easy fixes in most systems that don’t require professional help.
Stuck Dampers
HVAC dampers contain moving parts that can sometimes become stuck due to dust and dirt buildup or not being properly lubricated. Unfortunately, cleaning and lubricating the dampers is often a difficult operation because of where they’re located in the system’s ducts, and therefore will usually require hiring a professional. While it’s possible to clean them yourself, if you’re inexperienced and not careful, you could do damage to the system.
Malfunctioning Control Panel
The control panel is the digital nexus of the entire zone control air conditioning system, so if it stops working, the temperature control of the whole home is affected. If your control panel isn’t working, if it’s unresponsive or not turning on at all, you should consult a professional.
We strongly discourage attempting any repairs on the control panel, as you can easily damage your entire system, which will cost you even more in repairs. Often, the entire control panel will require replacing, but a professional will tell you for sure.
Warning
Attempting home repairs on the digital or electronic components of a dual-zone system, such as the control panel, is not advised as you can do further, possibly permanent, damage to your system.
F.A.Q.S
What is a zone damper system?
The zone damper system consists of motorized doors that restrict airflow through the ductwork into specific rooms in your home. If you’re having airflow issues in any given room, your damper system may be the issue.
What is air balancing?
Air balancing in HVAC systems that have it refers to the process of adjusting how much cool and heated air each room in the home gets. A well-calibrated system will allow each room to get to the same temperature at the same time.
What are dual zones in an HVAC system?
Dual-zone climate or temperature control in an HVAC system allows for both the hub owner and a user in another space to have individual control over the temperature of their space.
STAT: Zoning a home HVAC can save between 20-40% on energy efficiency according to some studies. (source)
