HVAC zoning
also: zone control · zone dampers · multi-zone system
Dividing a building into areas with separate thermostats and controlled airflow or water flow, so each zone is heated or cooled only when it needs it.
Rooms facing different directions, on different floors or used differently have different loads at different times. Zoning gives each area its own control, through motorized dampers in ducts, separate air handlers, multiple indoor units on a mini-split, or valves and pumps in hydronic systems.
Done well, zoning improves comfort and avoids conditioning empty spaces. Done poorly with single-speed equipment and dampers, it can cause excessive duct pressure, noise, short cycling and coil icing when only a small zone calls; bypass ducts are a common but inefficient workaround. Variable-capacity equipment pairs better with zoning.
Founder takeaway
Design zoning together with equipment capacity and airflow, and make sure the smallest zone call can't push the system outside safe operating limits.
engineer review pending