The difference
| Feature | Single-zone | Multi-zone |
|---|---|---|
| Indoor heads | One | Two to five (or more) |
| Outdoor units | One per zone | One for all zones |
| Best for | A single room or space | Several rooms, independent control |
| Cost per zone | Lower to start | Better as zones add up |
Single-zone
One indoor head paired with one outdoor unit. It is the simplest and lowest-cost way to handle a single problem room: a hot bonus room, a garage workshop, a sunroom, or an addition with no ductwork. Each room gets its own system.
Multi-zone
One outdoor condenser feeds several indoor heads, each with its own thermostat and remote. It conditions several rooms while taking up one spot outside, which is tidy and efficient when you are doing three, four, or more rooms. Each zone runs independently, so you only cool or heat the rooms in use.
How to choose
If you are solving one room, go single-zone. If you are conditioning much of the house and want one outdoor unit with per-room control, go multi-zone. Many homes mix both: a multi-zone for the main living areas and a single-zone for a later add-on.
Shop single and multi-zone systems
Browse both layouts for your home.
Common zone questions
Is multi-zone cheaper than several single-zones?
Can I run different temperatures in each zone?
How many heads can one outdoor unit run?
Can I add a zone later?
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