When to Choose an LG Zoned System Over a Traditional Split System

Not every Florida home needs the same type of cooling system. Some homes perform well with a traditional split system. Others struggle with uneven temperatures, humidity imbalance, and inefficient runtime.

In many of those cases, a zoned system provides a smarter solution.

At Williams Air Solutions, we install and service systems from LG throughout Pinellas County. LG offers both traditional split systems and advanced multi-zone configurations. Choosing the right option depends on your home’s layout, usage patterns, and long-term goals.

Here’s how to know which system makes the most sense.

A traditional split system includes:

• One outdoor condenser
• One indoor air handler
• One thermostat controlling the entire home

This setup works well for:

• Smaller homes
• Open floor plans
• Homes with consistent cooling demand
• Single-story properties

However, split systems treat the entire home as one cooling zone.

An LG zoned system allows:

• Multiple indoor units
• Independent temperature control by room or area
• Variable-speed operation
• Precise airflow distribution

Instead of cooling the whole house uniformly, each zone adjusts based on actual demand.

This is particularly useful in Florida homes where temperature differences between floors or living areas are common.

1. Your Home Has Multiple Floors

In Florida homes:

• Upper floors retain more heat
• Lower levels cool faster
• Solar exposure varies by elevation

A single thermostat often causes:

• Overcooling downstairs
• Under-cooling upstairs
• Excess system runtime

Zoning allows independent control of each level.

2. You Have Infrequently Used Rooms

Large homes often include:

• Guest suites
• Home offices
• Bonus rooms
• Seasonal living spaces

A traditional split system cools these spaces whether occupied or not.

Zoning allows you to reduce cooling in unused areas, improving efficiency.

3. You Experience Temperature Imbalance

Common complaints in Pinellas County homes include:

• Hot master bedrooms
• Overheated upstairs hallways
• Cold downstairs living rooms

Zoned systems address airflow imbalance without overworking the system.

4. You Want Better Humidity Control

Florida humidity requires longer, steadier cooling cycles.

LG zoned systems use inverter-driven compressors that:

• Run at variable speeds
• Maintain steady temperature
• Improve moisture removal
• Reduce short cycling

This leads to improved comfort, even at higher thermostat settings.

A traditional split system may be more appropriate when:

• The home is smaller
• The layout is open and balanced
• There are no major comfort complaints
• Budget constraints favor simpler installation

Split systems remain effective and reliable for many Florida homes.

The key is proper sizing and installation.

Zoned systems require:

• Detailed load calculations
• Careful indoor unit placement
• Electrical planning
• Control configuration
• Strategic refrigerant routing

Improper zoning design can create:

• System conflicts
• Uneven cooling
• Efficiency loss

Professional design ensures each zone works together, not against each other.

A Belleair homeowner with a two-story home experienced constant upstairs heat complaints despite replacing a traditional split system.

Instead of installing another single-zone unit, we designed an LG zoned configuration.

Results included:

• Balanced cooling between floors
• Reduced humidity upstairs
• Lower overall runtime
• Improved comfort without overcooling

The zoning solution resolved structural airflow challenges that equipment replacement alone could not.

Zoned systems can improve efficiency by:

• Reducing cooling in unused spaces
• Eliminating constant full-capacity operation
• Running at lower speeds for longer cycles
• Matching output to real-time demand

For larger homes, this can produce measurable long-term savings.

Zoned systems typically involve:

• Higher upfront cost
• More detailed installation
• Advanced controls

However, in larger or multi-level homes, the comfort and efficiency benefits often justify the investment.

The right system depends on how you use your home.

Whether choosing:

• An LG zoned system
• Or a traditional split system

Performance ultimately depends on:

• Accurate load calculations
• Correct refrigerant charging
• Proper airflow management
• Professional installation

Technology alone does not guarantee comfort — design does.

If you're unsure whether a traditional split system or an LG zoned system makes more sense for your home, a professional evaluation can clarify the best path forward.

Call Williams Air Solutions at (727) 353-0090 to schedule a system consultation in Pinellas County and determine which solution delivers the comfort and efficiency your home needs.