Summary
What is a Zone?
A zone is a part of a building whose HVAC system is controlled by a single sensor. The single sensor is usually, but not always, a thermostat. Either directly or indirectly, a thermostat controls the temperature at its location.
Zoning Design
Zones are chosen based on what is to be controlled and the variability of what is to be controlled. The most common control parameters include: temperature, humidity, ventilation, operating periods, freeze protection, pressure, and importance.
Controlling the Zone
The most common zone control is the thermostat. It should be placed where it is most representative of the occupants’ thermal experience. A thermostat does its best to keep a constant temperature where it is. It has no intelligence; it does not know what is going on around it. Therefore, in order to maintain a set point for the zone, the thermostat must be located away from temperature affecting sources, like drafts, windows and equipment.