11th month warranty inspection today on townhome-style condo. Living space on 2nd and 3rd floor. 2nd and 3rd floor each had a separate thermostat. One furnace/air handler in attic. AC was installed but I only tested the heating due to a cold weather restriction.
I turn on the 3rd floor heating. Observed 2nd and 3rd floor receiving heat. I turn on 2nd floor heating. Observed the same, both 2nd and 3rd floor receiving heat. The thermostats did not reflect the setting of the other when activated. There did not appear to be any zoning dampers/system installed.
I’ve read that this is a common complaint in other topics and I asked her if she had issues balancing 2nd and 3rd floor heating and of course she said yes. I also see this as a problem because the 3rd floor will often become uncomfortable when trying to make the 2nd floor comfortable during heating cycles.
My question is was this an oversight / defect by the Builder or have you experienced that no zoning dampers/system were installed, purposely?
If there are two zones (positively identified, for example, by two separate thermostats), and only one heating/cooling unit, then there would need to be a damping system installed for the zones to function as designed. Otherwise, there would be no purpose for having zones.
Agreed! And thanks for articulating that basic logic. Just wanted to check myself because I’m still boggled at the things I see in new construction and how these get missed (or did they?).
Edit: thinking a little more 'bout it…If a separate thermostat is provided on two different levels, does that really insinuate that two zones were intended or just a convenient way to turn on a single zone system and not have to run up or down the stairs for a thermostat installed on only one level? That is why I think my brain was asking this question.
I came across this one yesterday…One smaller heat pump, but pushing 2 wall cassette mini splits (Lower level) and the ducted heat for upper 2nd and 3rd floor. It was a bit unique, but it works, so long as it is all on the same setting for seasonal needs.
This builder normally will have 2 dedicated exterior heat pump units for this, but figure maybe the HVAC company was being creative.
