Zoning
Dividing a home into independently controlled temperature areas, via motorized duct dampers or multiple ductless heads. Zoning fixes the classic too-hot-upstairs problem and stops paying to condition empty rooms.
The longer answer
Ducted zoning uses motorized dampers in the ductwork, controlled by a multi-zone thermostat or panel. Each zone gets its own temperature target and schedule. Ductless zoning is inherent — each head is its own zone by design.
Zoning saves operating cost by conditioning occupied spaces instead of the whole envelope — DOE puts zone-conditioning savings at 20%+ versus heating or cooling the entire house to satisfy one uncomfortable room. It's also the fix for the 'bonus room over the garage' problem without oversizing central equipment.
The Seattle angle
Two-story suburban homes in the Seattle area are the #1 zoning use case — upstairs/downstairs dampers with separate thermostats fix stratification without oversizing the furnace.
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