You may have heard people talking about Air Conditioning Zoning or Zoned Ducted Air Conditioning and wondered what it is and how it works. Firstly, it pays to know the basics about what air conditioning is and specifically about ducted air conditioning. Next step is to explore the world of zoned air conditioning systems.
You may be in the market to purchase a new home air conditioner and what to know if an air conditioning zone controller would be good option for you. Alternatively, you may already have an existing AC system and are looking at adding zones to the ducted air conditioning.
You could also be in the planning stage of a commercial HVAC installation, and looking into a zoned air conditioning system for the building. The need for zoning will largely depend on business activity and layout of the workspace/s.
Whatever questions and curiosities you may have about air conditioning zoning, we hope to provide some basic information to help inform and guide any decision-making process.
What is Air Conditioning Zoning?
Air conditioning zoning involves to the division of a building into separate areas (i.e. zones). Each zone will then have some degree of individual climate control. This may include on/off, airflow, and/or temperature.
AC zoning can occur in a home, business, or any other enclosed structure. It is typically incorporated with a ducted air conditioner, although it can be part of a central air conditioning system with some limitations.
Having an air conditioning zone controller installed increases comfort to the occupants of the building. It also increases energy efficiency of the air conditioning system it is connected to.
There are a wide range of multi zone air conditioner options on the market, with pros and cons for each one. iZone, MyAir, AirTouch, ZoneMaster, and Siemens Control Systems are some common zoning systems on the market.
Some individual air conditioning brands also provide zone control options. Examples include Daikin Zone Controller, Fujitsu Zone Control Interface, or Brivis Zone Plus.
The range of features available with ducted zoning systems is extensive. Touch screen displays, individual temperature sensors, timers, motion sensors, Wi-Fi and integration with smart home systems are just some of the options. Added features typically comes with additional cost. However, some of the added features can help you save money in the long term.
How to Zone Air Conditioning
There are many ways to zone air conditioning based on the building itself, layout, usage, specific requirements, and personal preferences. Just like selection of an air conditioner brand, the zoning system brand and associated wall controller require careful consideration to find the best option for you.
Daikin Zone Controller
A wired Daikin zone controller is one of the most, if not the most, popular air conditioner brands of zone controller. It is based on the latest Japanese technology, as is the entire Daikin range.
Key Features:
- Easy to use touchpad zone controller.
- Suitable for up to 8 zones (option of 4 zone or 8 zone ducted air conditioner controller).
- On/Off zone control.
- LED lamps to show each zone status.
- Optional extra temperature sensors to vary where temperature is detected.
- Programmable timer.
- Filter cleaning reminder.
- Optional Airbase Wi-Fi feature (allowing remote control via smartphone or tablet).
- Compatible with Daikin ducted air conditioners (e.g. FDYQ, FDYA, FDYQN, FDYAN).
For more information, please check out the Daikin Zone Controller Brochure.
Siemens Zone Controller
Siemens control systems range from full-scale commercial building automation and HVAC control, down to basic home air conditioner zoning control.
On the larger scale, Siemens offers Desigo (large scale building control), Synco (small-medium building control) and GAMMA (multi-faceted smart control) as some of the best HVAC zoning systems on the market.
On the smaller scale, Siemens offer innovative residential zoning solutions for standard ducted air conditioning systems.
Home Zone Control (HZC)
The HZC series allows control over the flow of air into different rooms. It has an easy to use wall controller with on/off buttons and LED status lighting. Designed for simple zoning control of up to 8 zones.
Key Features:
- Easy to use touchpad zone controller.
- Suitable for 2-8 zones.
- LED lamps to show the zone status.
- Simple design and hassle-free install (only 1 cable needed in the wall space).
- Quick-connect low voltage RJ12 connections (no electrician required for install).
- Automatic over-current protection with fault indicator.
- Auto spill function to protect the AC system (ensuring at least 1 zone is always open).
- Can be used in conjunction with the touch-screen HTC series (see below).
Home Touch Controller (HTC) Series
The HTC Series also allows control of air into rooms. However, it comes with a touch-screen wall controller and can control up to 16 zones.
Key Features:
- Large colour LCD touch screen zone controller.
- Suitable for up to 16 zones.
- Variable zone opening adjustments possible (limit air flow to an open zone).
- Quick-connect low voltage RJ12 connections (no electrician required for install).
- Automatic over-current protection with fault indicator.
- Auto spill function to protect the AC system (ensuring at least 1 zone is always open).
- Option to use a second touch screen for control of all zones.
For more information, please check out the Siemens Zone Controller Brochure.
AirTouch & ZoneMaster Zone Controller
AirTouch provide a wide range of air conditioning zone controller options suitable for both commercial and residential application. From simple zone control up to smart home systems, they have something for everyone.
Their systems are divided into Polyaire ZoneMaster zone systems and AirTouch control systems. This division is based on the different equipment used for each option.
ZoneSwitch
The ZoneSwitch zone control system is an easy to use, entry-level zoning addition for your home or business air conditioner.
Key Features:
- Easy to use touchpad zone controller.
- Suitable for 1-6 zones.
- LED lamps to show the zone status.
- Simple design and hassle-free installation.
- Spill zone to protect the AC system (ensuring at least 1 zone is always open).
- Option of two touchpads being installed.
For more information, please check out the ZoneSwitch Zone Controller Brochure.
ZoneTouch
The ZoneTouch zone system is the next level up in the ZoneMaster controller range, with a touch screen display and more features.
Key Features:
- All of the main features of ZoneSwitch, plus:
- 4” colour HD display touch screen controller.
- Suitable for up to 16 zones.
- Airflow control in 10% increments.
- Turbo Zone function to direct more air into a zone if/when required (e.g. large gathering).
- Programmable timer.
- Periodic service reminder.
For more information, please check out the ZoneTouch Zone Controller Brochure.
AirTouch 2
AirTouch 2 takes zoning control up another level and is the start of the AirTouch range. With Wi-Fi control and greater integration capabilities, it’s a great mid-range option.
Key Features:
- All of the main features of ZoneTouch, plus:
- Wi-Fi feature (allowing remote control via smartphone or tablet).
- Temperature alerts available to a smartphone when away (Away Mode).
- Can control 2 separate AC units from 1 touch screen.
- Can be integrated with smart home automation systems (including Google’s Assistant and Amazon’s Alexa).
For more information, please check out the AirTouch 2 Zone Controller Brochure.
AirTouch 2 Plus
The AirTouch 2 Plus controller is very similar to the base model, but it takes a step up with screen size and precision control.
Key Features:
- All the features of Air Touch 2, plus:
- Larger 7” display screen.
- Airflow control in 5% increments
For more information, please check out the AirTouch 2 Plus Zone Controller Brochure.
AirTouch 4
The AirTouch 4 zone control system is top of the line in this range. The option of individual temperature sensors increases control and energy efficiency of the system. There are also added features and integrations available.
Key Features:
- All the features of Air Touch 2 Plus, plus:
- Option of individual temperature control (ITC) sensors.
- Child lock feature.
- Can control up to 4 separate AC units from 1 touch screen.
- Compatible with more home automation systems.
For more information, please check out the AirTouch 4 Zone Control Brochure.
Advantage Air Zone Controller
MyAir is the most well-known air conditioning zone controller from Advantage Air. It is popular, in part, due to clever advertising and use of familiar faces in their promotions.
Key Features:
- 8” touch screen zone controller (option for upgrade to 10” tablet).
- Suitable for up to 10 zones.
- Wi-Fi feature (allowing remote control via smartphone or tablet).
- Airflow control in 5% increments.
- Option of individual temperature control (ITC) sensors.
- Programmable timer.
- Option of motion sensors.
- Can control up to 4 separate AC units from 1 touch screen.
- Can be integrated with Advantage Air’s smart home system, MyPlace.
For more information, please check out the MyAir Zone Controller Brochure.
iZone
iZone is a top of the line, feature-packed, energy efficient air conditioning zone control system. The ducted zone control is in a league of its own, as well as having the possibility of being integrated with a complete home smart system.
Key Features:
- Touch screen zone controller (range of sizes available).
- Up to 8 zones standard, extendable to 14 zones.
- Wi-Fi feature (allowing remote control via smartphone or tablet).
- Individual temperature control (ITC) sensors standard.
- Automatic airflow adjustments in 5% increments.
- Temperature control in 0.5 degree increments.
- Option of intelligent roaming sensor.
- Return air bypass inbuilt (energy efficient and added AC protection).
- Programmable timer (schedules and sleep).
- Service/clean alerts at adjustable frequency.
- Power monitoring
- Option of air quality monitoring (with Nexus+).
- Option of iPure natural air filters for cleaner air.
- Thicker insulation on components (less heat transfer, greater energy efficiency).
- 10 year warranty on all components.
- Can be integrated with smart home automation systems (including Google Home).
For more information, please check out the iZone Zone Controller Brochure.
Air conditioning zoning is a more energy efficient and controllable method of heating or cooling a home, workplace or other indoor space compared to zoneless AC systems. Gone are the days that the whole system has to be on or off, with no variation in between.
There is a large range of air conditioning zone controllers on the market, with features specific to each brand and price point. We have highlighted some of the popular choices, but there are still many more available.
Research is valuable when looking to invest in zone control or a new zoned ducted heating and cooling system. This includes speaking with experts in the field and working with them to find a suitable option for you.
If we can answer any questions about zoned air conditioning or help find a suitable solution for your home or business, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
