Glossary · Heating, cooling & ventilation
Zoned heating and cooling (zoning)
Also called: zoned heating · zoned system · zone dampers · HVAC zoning · zoning dampers
Dividing a home into areas with separate thermostats so each can be heated or cooled only when and as much as needed.
What it means
Zoning can use motorized dampers in ducts, separate equipment for each floor, or ductless mini-split heads in individual rooms. It helps homes where some areas run hot or cold, such as upper floors that overheat while basements stay cool.
Why it matters in an audit
Zoning can improve comfort and trim energy use, but it doesn't fix the air leaks or insulation gaps that often cause hot and cold rooms in the first place.