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Chauffage zoné : chauffer intelligemment seulement où il faut (astuces pour économiser dans les grandes maisons)
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Zoned heating: heat only where it's needed (money-saving tips for large homes)

Optimize thermal comfort in large homes while reducing energy costs with zoned heating

In large homes across Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore, managing indoor temperature can be a real challenge—especially during winter. Heating every single room, whether it’s in use or not, leads to high energy costs and unnecessary overconsumption. At AirGreen, we’ve helped many homeowners implement zoned heating systems, a smart solution that balances comfort, performance, and energy savings. In this article, we’ll share our on-the-ground experience, practical tips, and common pitfalls to avoid when it comes to efficiently heating each zone in your home.

Understanding zoned heating: how it works and why it matters

Zoned heating divides your home into multiple independent zones, each equipped with its own thermostat and temperature controls. This setup allows for precise regulation of heat based on how each room is used, the specific needs of each zone, and the habits of its occupants.

Why choose zoned heating in a large home?

  • Significant energy savings: no need to heat unused bedrooms or rarely visited floors.

  • Personalized comfort: each family member can adjust the temperature in their own zone.

  • Extended equipment lifespan: by reducing overuse, you help your heating system last longer.

  • Minimized heat loss: especially useful in areas with poor insulation or north-facing exposure.

Types of systems that support zoned heating

Multiple HVAC technologies allow for zoned heat management, as long as the system is properly sized and installed by experienced professionals like our team at AirGreen.

Multi-zone wall-mounted heat pumps

Multi-zone heat pumps, like the Fujitsu KZAH R-32 or Gree Multi-Zone Free Match, are ideal for dividing a home into distinct zones, using one outdoor unit to power several indoor wall-mounted units.

  • Benefit: flexible, ductless installation.

  • Energy efficiency: inverter technology, eco-friendly R-32 refrigerant.

  • AirGreen installation example: in Laval, we installed a Fujitsu KZAH 36,000 BTU system across 4 zones in a 2800 sq. ft. home, giving the occupants full independent control of each floor's temperature.

Central forced-air systems with motorized dampers

Forced-air systems, like Goodman R-32 air handlers paired with smart thermostats, offer effective zoning through electronically controlled motorized dampers.

  • Smart control: ideal with compatible smart thermostats (Ecobee, Honeywell).

  • Invisible zoning: no visible indoor units on the walls.

  • AirGreen installation example: in Longueuil, in a 3-storey house with 5 bedrooms, we divided the system into 3 zones (basement, main floor, upper floor) using motorized dampers connected to a Honeywell control board.

Zoned electric radiant floor heating

Another option for certain areas—like bathrooms, kitchens or basements—is zoned electric radiant floor heating, controlled independently per room.

  • Localized comfort: soft, even warmth underfoot.

  • Best used as a complement: often installed in specific rooms only.

  • AirGreen featured installation: in Sainte-Julie, we added radiant floor heating in a basement family room with its own thermostat for optimal comfort without energy waste.

How to determine the right zones in your home

At AirGreen, before we begin any installation, we conduct a full thermal analysis of the home, combined with a study of how each space is used. Here are our zoning criteria:

  • Frequency of use of each room (e.g.: living room vs. guest bedroom)

  • Sun exposure and insulation quality

  • Level of finishing (windows, floors, cathedral ceilings)

  • Individual needs of the occupants

We generally recommend creating 3 to 5 zones in homes between 2,000 and 3,500 sq. ft. for the best comfort-to-savings ratio.

Tips to maximize the efficiency of a zoned system

  1. Use programmable or smart thermostats for each zone.

  2. Schedule heating cycles according to your daily routine.

  3. Keep doors closed in unoccupied zones to reduce heat loss.

  4. Perform regular maintenance on all components (filters, dampers, sensors).

  5. Invest in a system that qualifies for government grants.

Available grants for zoned heating systems

Zoned heating, when integrated into high-efficiency systems such as ENERGY STAR-certified heat pumps, may qualify for substantial rebates, including through Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert program:

  • Up to $5,000 in rebates for a high-efficiency multi-zone system.

  • Eligibility requires installation by a certified contractor like AirGreen.

  • Real-world examples: in Montreal, a client received $2,580 for a 3-zone Fujitsu system; in the North Shore, a newly built home qualified for $4,312 for installing a 5-zone Gree system.

Why choose AirGreen for your zoned heating system?

  • Proven expertise: over 500 zoned heating projects completed across Greater Montreal.

  • Tailored service: free thermal analysis and custom recommendations for each home.

  • Certified and skilled team: our technicians are trained in the latest HVAC technologies.

  • Post-installation support: assistance, maintenance, and system adjustments tailored to your day-to-day.

We firmly believe that zoned heating is the future of energy-smart comfort in large homes. It's not just about technology—it’s about a better way of living, more efficiently, while staying within your budget and respecting the environment.

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