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Installing a Zone Controller

1K views 4 replies 3 participants last post by  Jackofall1 
#1 ·
Looking for some opinions.

I currently live in a two story 1200 sq ft. townouse, and I suffer from a common problem that most homeowners have.

Hot on the 2nd floor, and just great on the first.

My A/C is ok, and I do not want to move my thermostat (currently downstairs).

That being said installing a zone controller is the best solution becuase it will allow me to have a thermostat upstairs.

The downstairs ducts feed off of a 12" duct that comes off of the supply plenum so its a no brainer on how to setup the motorized duct for the downstairs.

However the upstairs has three ducts (one for each room) and each one of the ducts feed off of the supply plenum.

The only way I can think of the make the two zone controller work is to take another 12" duct with a motorized damper off the supply plenum and have it feed to a junction box which would then supply the upstairs rooms.

Does this sound like it would work and be acceptable.

I look forward to hearing feedback.

Thanks


(If you plan on telling me to just go and hire a professional, I thank you for your opinion but the reason I am posting to this forum is so I can learn)
 
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#2 · (Edited)
First thing is, what ton is your outside unit, and what size is your inside unit? If you do not know, post model numbers and manufacturer info. What size is the ducts upstairs? Is there a return upstairs? Installing a Zone controller may not solve the problem of the upstairs. Also, when was the last time your hvac system was serviced by cleaning off the outside unit, the condensor coil (a-coil) checked on the inside unit?
 
#3 ·
Welcome ajlewis1, to the best dary DIY'r site on the web.

Your thought process for seperating the up from down has merit and should work. You should consider the total area of the ducts that go upstairs and ensure that the single duct feeding a distribution box is at least the equivalent area.

The next question is, are there any return air ducts on the second floor? if not you would have a higher success rate of air distribution by adding RA on the second floor.

Mark
 
#4 ·
Return air

Thanks for the feedback, and welcome


There are 3 ducts as I said upstairs which are 7 in each.

I just recently "upgraded" my return air. Originally I only had a 12x24 return air vents, one upstairs and one downstairs, now I have a 20x25 upstairs and a 16x20 downstairs.

I thought about adding another return air upstairs in my bedroom, but my buddy who helped me brought up the potential issue of static pressure.

Thanks

Aaron
 
#5 · (Edited)
The more net free area you have the less pressure drop you will experience, if you can add one in your room do it, RA is as important as SA.

3 x 7" = 115 in2
1 x 12" = 113 in2

I would say that is close enough for the girls I go out with:)

Mark
 
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