Finding the perfect temperature for the whole house can feel like an endless tug-of-war. You crank it up for the perpetually chilly person, only to have complaints about a sauna-like bedroom from others. So, what if you could heat different areas of your home to different temperatures? Well, fret no more as zoning your central heating system might be the answer you’ve been searching for! On top of that, if you still don’t have a central heating system and looking for budget-friendly ways to install it, first time central heating grants could help you. The government through these grants wants every household to enjoy the much-needed warmth. It wants you save energy as well as money on bills. What’s more, once central heating is installed on your property, you can even cut more costs of your heating by zoning your home.

What’s zoning?

But before we jump in, let’s unpack what zoning actually is. Imagine dividing your house into sections, like upstairs and downstairs. Each section would have its own thermostat, allowing you to control the temperature independently. This means cozy evenings in the living room without overheating the bedrooms, and blissfully cool mornings without shivering downstairs while someone enjoys a hot shower. Sounds pretty dreamy, right?

Does zoning work?

Now, the big question: is zoning right for your UK home? Here’s the good news: zoning can work wonders for almost any house, especially if:

• You have a large or oddly shaped home: Mansions and bungalows alike can benefit from zoning. Large houses often have significant temperature variations between floors, while open-plan living areas in bungalows can struggle to maintain consistent warmth throughout. Zoning tackles these issues head-on.
• Your household has different temperature preferences: Do you like to sleep in a chilly room while your partner prefers a toasty haven? Well, zoning solves this! You can set the bedroom thermostat to a comfortable sleep temperature. Consequently, you can keep the living room nice and warm for evening movie nights.
• You want to save money on energy bills: By only heating the rooms you’re using, you can significantly reduce your energy consumption. As a result, this will bring real savings on your energy bills, especially with today’s rising costs.

How to zone your central heating?

Okay, we’re sold on the idea. But how exactly do we zone our central heating? Well there are actually a couple of ways to achieve this:

• Wired thermostats: This is the traditional approach. You’ll need separate thermostats for each zone, connected to the boiler by wires. While reliable, this method can be disruptive and expensive to install, especially in existing homes.
• Wireless thermostats: Here’s where technology comes to the rescue. Wireless thermostats communicate with the boiler via radio waves, eliminating the need for messy wires. Moreover, this makes installation quicker and less intrusive. So it is perfect for finished homes.

On top of the thermostats, you’ll also need something called zone valves. These clever gadgets act like traffic cops, directing hot water to the specific zones that need heating. Pretty neat, huh?

Now, zoning might seem like a complex undertaking, but don’t worry! There are plenty of qualified heating engineers in the UK who can assess your home. They’ll recommend the best zoning system for your needs. Furthermore, they’ll handle the installation process. And ensure everything is set up and running smoothly.

Things to consider before zoning central heating

Of course, with any home improvement, there are a few things to consider before diving in:

• Cost: Zoning can be an investment, with the price depending on the size and complexity of your system. However, the potential energy savings can offset the initial cost over time.
• Disruption: While wireless thermostats minimise disruption, some installations, especially for wired systems, might involve drilling and running wires. Make sure you discuss this with your chosen engineer beforehand.
• Building regulations: In the UK, building regulations require new homes with a total floor area exceeding 150 square meters to have zoned heating systems. So, if you’re planning a major renovation or extension, zoning might be a must-do.

Bottom line

So, there you have it! Zoning your central heating system can be a game-changer. It offers comfort, control, and potential cost savings. So if you’re tired of the constant temperature battle in your home, zoning might be the perfect solution. This will in fact create a haven that caters to everyone’s preferences. But remember to weigh the costs and potential disruption. Do this against the long-term benefits. Then make your decision. With a bit of research and the help of a qualified engineer, you can finally create a home where everyone feels perfectly comfortable, no matter the season.