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What Is Zoned Temperature Control and Is It Worth It for Your Building?

Landlords in New York City are all too familiar with heat complaints during the winter despite their adherence to heating regulations.

Many apartment buildings in the city run a hot water boiler system with a primary thermostatic control. While a primary device is fine when apartments are on one level, in NYC, residential buildings are often multi-level structures. In these taller buildings, heat distribution is usually uneven, with the uppermost levels collecting the most heat.

Zoned temperature control can resolve the problem of too much or too little heat in different regions of a property. Discover how zoning works and if it is a worthwhile investment for your property.

Zoned Temperature Control: What It Is and How It Works

Increasing Heating Control With More Controls

The goal of a standard boiler setup is to keep a consistent temperature throughout the property, but the best it can do with a single thermostat is to achieve an average temperature. The farther the distance from the thermostat, the greater the temperature variation experienced by the tenants.

By installing more thermostats in a building, the owner can have more control over the temperature in different areas, helping to ensure a more even distribution of heat. Still, accurate and reliable control depends on thermostat placement. A landlord can install thermostats and controls on each level of a property, but if the device is in a hallway, it may not lead to adequate heating of individual units.

Zoned temperature control focuses on bringing heat to the areas that need it, creating a more even distribution. The best setup is to include thermostats in each unit.

If you install thermostats in individual units, it does not mean you need to give control of heating to the tenants. Landlords can install smart thermostats tied to a centralized system. Only the property owner and permitted staff can adjust the temperature settings.

Installing a multi-zoned smart system means you can program or set the thermostat to desired temperatures during the year. During the heating season in NYC, from October through May, you can set the temperature to 68°F during the day and 62°F at night. Also, if your property has any vacant units, you can maintain a lower temperature to reduce energy waste and heat loss.

Discovering the Mechanics Behind Zoned Temperature Control

A zoned heating system uses valves, actuators, dampers, and thermostats to deliver heat where needed. Actuators control the opening and closing of zone valves, which regulate water flow in the boiler. The actuators respond to temperature settings in the system. The dampers direct and divert boiler-produced heat and airflow through the system based on temperature readings in different zones.

It’s possible to convert a standard boiler to a zoned heating system. However, the conversion is often costly. Calray Boilers technicians first need to drain the system and remove the existing plumbing, making room for the new plumbing and zone valves.

Zoned Heat: Weighing the Pros and Cons

The Benefits of This System

The primary benefits of zoning are greater control and even heat distribution. With multiple thermostats, you can wave goodbye to heat complaints in the winter. Temperature zones ensure every area of your building receives appropriate heating and meets the demands and expectations of the city.

A secondary benefit of the system is less energy waste. In a standard system, you don’t have a choice but to heat vacant and occupied apartments the same. With a zoned system, you can turn down the temperature in unoccupied units, allowing you to save on utility costs.

Finally, the system is centralized, meaning you can control it from a single source. In fact, with smart thermostats, you can control the temperature in the entire building from anywhere by using a connected smart device.

The Cons of a Zoned Temperature Control System

The cost is the primary barrier to installing a zoned heating system. Conversions can cost in the thousands or tens of thousands, depending on the requirements. A Calray Boilers representative can talk you through the different costs associated with the upgrade.

A zoned boiler system is also more complex than a traditional boiler installation. The complexity makes it more challenging to maintain the system. With all the intricate parts, including valves and actuators, a zoned system requires routine maintenance and annual inspections. An annual service contract with Calray Boilers can ensure your system receives all essential inspections and maintenance.

Finally, a boiler with a zoned temperature control setup can mean longer repair times. The system’s complexity and many components mean more intensive labor requirements for repairs. Major problems can lead to significant disruptions in heating. Routine maintenance and inspections can reduce the overall risks to your system.

Zoned Systems: Is a Boiler Upgrade Right for Your Property?

Energy Efficiency and Tenant Comfort

How big is your property? Is it multi-story? How effective is your current system? Consider these questions and other factors before investing in a zoned system.

Zoning is worthwhile in most situations because it ensures every tenant has adequate heat, but it may not always be practical. Some property owners do not have the budget to invest in a system upgrade, especially one as intricate as zoned temperature control.

A property owner can do other things to improve the efficiency of the current building’s system. This includes investing in new insulation or window and door weatherproofing and reducing heat loss by insulating ductwork and pipes.

Still, the most effective way to improve heat distribution throughout a property is with zoning. Individual thermostats ensure each unit meets the NYC requirements during the heating season. If you can afford the upgrade in your property, zoning is worth it for the improvement in energy efficiency and tenant comfort.

Calray Boilers: Zoned Temperature Control Done Right

Schedule an Inspection Today

Zoned temperature control helps ensure the even distribution of heat throughout a property. While the conversion to a zoned system is relatively expensive, it improves the efficiency of your building and the satisfaction of tenants. Call Calray Boilers at 212-722-5506 to learn more about zoning and its benefits to your system, and ask about annual service contracts to ensure you’re on top of inspections and maintenance schedules.