An HVAC zoning system splits your home into various zones that can be heated or cooled separately. Motorized modulating HVAC zone dampers are installed in your ductwork. The dampers control the airflow of cool or warm air to rooms where it is needed. The primary goal of zoning is to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the house.  

Each zone has zone sensors that communicate temperature and humidity data to a system controller. The controller opens or closes the dampers partway or completely to provide precise HVAC zone control. The result? Precise comfort control. You can access the system through a smart thermostat or via the Trane Home App.

HVAC zoning can be especially beneficial for multi-level or spacious homes with heating and cooling issues. Zoning can improve the efficiency of your systems and even out the temperatures in your home overall. For example, a dual-zone HVAC system can solve the problem of a house that’s hot upstairs and cold downstairs.

With Trane Link Zoning, you can have up to 6 zones. Be sure to talk with your local Trane dealer about the optimal zoning system for your home.

Yes, you can add zones to your current ducted system. However, zoning is best paired with a variable-speed blower and a variable-speed outdoor unit. Trane Link zoning requires a fully communicating Link system.

Yes. A viable zoned HVAC system for a home without ductwork (and a viable alternative for an existing home) is a multi-zone ductless system. This HVAC system has an outdoor mini-split heat pump that connects to multiple indoor units (up to 8) via refrigerant lines rather than ductwork. Each indoor unit has a remote control to allow you to control your comfort from the couch or recliner.

Your cost will depend on the size of your home, how many zones you need, whether your home is under construction or an existing home, and many other factors.

As part of ongoing improvement, the HVAC industry is in the process of transitioning to using a new refrigerant in newly manufactured units, including air conditioners and heat pumps. It’s called R-454B and is more sustainable than the most recent refrigerant, R-410A.

For new units listed on our website, you will see an icon indicating which units are using the new refrigerant. You can also find the type of refrigerant listed in the model specifications.

For existing AC and heat pump installations at your home, your owner’s manual will say what type of refrigerant it uses. If the unit was manufactured in 2010 or later, the refrigerant will be R-410A. If it was manufactured before 2010, the refrigerant would be R-22, which is no longer in production. You may want to consider system replacement due to the age of the unit.

You can also contact your local Trane local dealer to learn more about refrigerants and product availability.

Connect with a local dealer to see if a zoned HVAC system is right for you and your home.