Is zoned heating still necessary?

Type 17

If I was getting a new heat pump system with alu rads installed (UFH isn't an option because floor is 200m2 of uninsulated floor slab, so would cost a fortune to tear up and rebuild), do I still need to consider zones for bedrooms/living, when I could fit smart TRVs and then each rad becomes a zone in its own right?

It seems that lots of smart thermostats and other devices can't handle three zones, so I wonder are zones a peculiarly Irish thing, from the days before smart system controls, that Irish plumbers/heating installers just seem to continue using their installs because "that's the way it's always been done"?

Flinty997

Are you not still heating the pipes that go to the rads.

I don't see what ufh and trvs have got to do with zones. What has trv got to do with the hot water.

Type 17

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120111289#Comment_120111289

I suppose so, but would doing that make that much difference?

Sorry, hot water not relevant to TRVs, as you say (I removed it from the first post, for clarity).

I suppose my question could be distilled into: Is the extra complexity of zone plumbing layout/zone valves/controls etc, worth the saving of not heating the bedroom floors slightly during the day & heating the living rooms floors slightly at night, when I'd probably be fitting smart TRVs anyway, for much more granular control of each room?

Flinty997

I guess it's where you are starting from and your objectives. If your end goal is micro management then I guess zones are a bit redundant.

I think trv and timers encourage use based on schedule not need/demand.

If you are in a sprawling bungalow you might have entirely different use pattern. You might have an isolated home office that needs heating or small kids and having baths and using the sink a lot for washing.

I installed zones for the simplicity of use and reduce unreservedly energy use. Before smart heating was really around. If I was starting over (in the same property) I still don't think I'd rush to micromanage it. It would be over kill. Perhaps if it was different property with more complex use case I'd think different.

Flinty997

As for heating the pipes between rads does it make a difference. Isn't the point of micromanaging it, to squeeze every last efficiency (and convenience) out of it. Perhaps it's marginal. No idea.

Type 17

Thinking it through again (as your replies have made me do), it does seem that there is still a place for zones as a macro-management concept, simply splitting between bedrooms and living areas, but perhaps still using TRVs if there's a specific use-case for it.

Thanks for the replies. 😃👍️

Flinty997

I like the simplicity. I don't use timers just boost.

Water Heating on/off

Heating Upstairs on/off

Heating Downstairs on/off

But it's largely down to individual laying and preference.

Ush1

Micro managing usually has the opposite effect of the intended increased efficiency.

TRVs should generally only be used to stop an area overheating (probably poorly designed to begin with if that's happening).

Zoning is a good idea if its a large building or has certain sections that don't get regular use.