Looking to purchase a zone system? Here is what you need:
A Control Panel
The Zone Control Panel is the central control that will communicate between thermostats, dampers and your HVAC equipment. It is mounted by your equipment and is the brains of the entire zoning application.
Helpful Hints:
-
- Most systems will only need 1 control panel
- The thermostats and the dampers are wired to the panel
- The panel is then wired to your equipment
- When ordering your panel, make sure it is compatible with the zone dampers (look for a P in the model when ordering a Plug-In-Play Panel) We also recommend you buy the kit (under the options tab). The kit comes with your panel + 24V transformer used to power the panel & dampers, and a ZPS which is your leaving air sensor. The ZPS is wired to the panel and is used when by-passing air back to the return.
Zone Dampers
Dampers are placed in your ducts to control the airflow to certain rooms (or zones) of your home. The dampers are wired to a specific zone on the control panel, which is controlled by a specific thermostat in your home. Dampers automatically open and close depending on which thermostats are calling for air.
Helpful Hints:
-
- You will need at least 1 damper for each zone (some applications may require more than 1 damper per zone)
- Dampers come in just about any shape and size to fit your needs
- You can mix and match dampers and daisy chain up to 10 dampers per zone using the Plug-In-Play motors
- When ordering, make sure the dampers are compatible with your control panel (RDS damper would match with a MMZ panel / RDP damper would match with a MMP panel)
Thermostats
Thermostats read the air temperature in each room (or zone) of your house. If the temperature is too cold or too hot for your liking, the thermostat will send a signal to the control panel to either bring on cool or warm air to that room or zone.
Helpful Hints:
-
- You can use any 4/5 wire thermostat
- Each zone will have 1 thermostat that communicates with the control panel which then communicates with the dampers and your heating/cooling unit
- When adding zoning to your existing home or office, we recommend using wireless stats for easier installs
By-pass Damper
Some zoning systems require a by-pass damper. This damper is usually installed from the supply air to the return air. As zones closed down, the static pressure in your duct will increase, usually results in a noisy home. The by-pass senses this increase in pressure and will bleed the excess air as needed.
Helpful Hints:
- Install the by-pass as far away from the air handler as possible, but BEFORE any zone dampers
- Calculate the size of bypass needed by taking your total CFM – smallest zone CFM
- If by-passing back to the return, we recommend using a ZPS (leaving air sensor) with your panel to protect your HVAC equipment from freezing or over heating. The ZPS comes with any panel kit.
Great! You’re one step closer to a more comfortable home with some great cost savings! Here is how easy it is to wire your Zoning System:
- Here is a MDP3 panel which is compatible with any Plug & Play Damper
- The dampers shown below are the ZDSP, RRP & RTP
- Each Plug & Play Damper comes with 25′ of cord for wiring
- The OAS is an optional sensor used mainly for HP or Geothermal
- Each thermostat is wired to its specific zone