Zoning with EZLink

Zoning is a hot topic, and understanding the multitude of option you have is essential to ensure you have the best experience possible.

There are many zone systems out there:

- OEM solutions: controlled from your AC controller

- Third party simple controls: buttons on the wall next to your A/C controller

- Fully integrated solutions: allow independent control of each zone (on/off, temperature up/down)

Zoning systems can get pricey and if not configured correctly, can wreak havoc on your system.

We will talk through a few of the zoning options you have when it comes to controlling your zones with smart thermostats.

Firstly, you can't control zone dampers directly from the smart thermostat. The smart thermostat has no output and no user button in order to allow this.

If your system uses OEM zoning (the zones are controlled via the original A/C controller) you will also need to look at one of the options below.

If your system already uses a third party zone controller, such as a switch on the wall, these can be retained.

Zoning Option One (cheapest)

A third party zoning kit consists of a wall mounted switch, a zone module (the box your zones plug into) and an external transformer.

These kits can retail for around $170.00 inc GST including the transformer. These will allow easy on/off control for up to 4 zones.

Your unit will be controlled via your smart thermostat of choice

Zoning Option Two

Another third party zoning kit consisting of a wall mounted touchscreen, a zone module (the box your zones plug into) and an external transformer.

These kits can retail for around $498.00 inc GST including the transformer. These will allow variable control (off/on and everything in between) for up to 8 zones.

Your unit will be controlled via your smart thermostat of choice

Zoning Option Three

Full blown voice control

This option is pretty cool and cheap, although will require a bit of smart home knowledge.

With the implementation of a third party voice controlled smart relay, we can control our zones through voice control or via the vendors phone application. Relays can be found for as little as $50AUD from places like Ebay. You can couple this with some smart sensors and have a fully automated voice activated zoning solution for cheaper then any other third party solution. You will miss out on having an actually physical switch or GUI although I'm sure you could rig something up if it was that important.

Your unit will be controlled via your smart thermostat of choice

Zoning Option Four (most expensive)

We have a controller that is almost ready for release, named multi-link.

This allows us to couple 1x smart thermostat per zone. Ultimately, allowing independent control of the temperature of each zone. This option is expensive though. Lets say you have 4 zones, that's 4x smart thermostats (already looking at $1,400 before any other hardware). You will need an EZLink module for your system (~$315), a multilink ($475) + all associated cables; that's $2,190 before we've even installed it.

The functionality of this system is great, you have full control, you have easy adjustability (just walk up and select the temperature in the zone you want). The major downfall however, it is out of budget for most people.

In conclusion, you have a lot to consider. The benefit of smart home products these days is they are generally all compatible with each other - allowing you to mix and match what you have or want to create the system you desire. It all comes down to how creative you'd like to get.

We are doing the best we can to offer solutions that you need, although we need your help! Don't hesitate to comment below to share your experience with zoning and help everyone move forward with smart A/C controls.

As always, if you have any questions, please contact the EZ team.