How Airzone Quietly Fixed the Biggest Problem in HVAC Zoning with Christopher Rystedt Part 1

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie is joined by Christopher Rystedt, Technical Sales and Trainer at Airzone Control, to discuss VRF and VRV zoning and how it applies to air distribution systems. Christopher explains how zoning can be used with inverter-driven equipment to deliver precise comfort by controlling airflow to individual spaces using modulating dampers and smart controls. The conversation covers how Airzone integrates with over 200 HVAC brands through manufacturer-supported communication protocols, allowing full system functionality without losing performance. Gary and Christopher also explore system design, control strategies, and how modern zoning helps reduce equipment load while improving comfort and efficiency.

In this conversation, Christopher explains how VRF and VRV zoning can be applied to ducted systems to control airflow to individual rooms based on demand. He describes how modulating dampers and smart controls adjust airflow levels instead of simply opening or closing, allowing the system to match capacity to the exact needs of each space. Christopher and Gary discuss how zoning works with inverter-driven equipment and why proper communication with indoor units is important to maintain performance. They also cover system setup, including thermostats, sensors, and control wiring, and explain how this approach helps improve comfort, reduce equipment load, and provide more efficient operation.

Expect to Learn:

• How VRF and VRV zoning can control airflow to different rooms using one ducted system.

• Why modulating dampers adjust airflow levels based on the exact demand in each space?

• How communication with indoor units allows zoning systems to maintain full equipment performance.

• What components, like thermostats, sensors, and control boards, are used in a zoned system setup?

• How proper zoning design helps improve comfort, reduce system load, and increase efficiency.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] - Sponsor: Factory Direct Filters ad

[00:00] - Intro to Christopher in Part 1 

[02:36] - What is Air Distribution Zoning?

[05:14] - What Air Distribution Zoning Is

[08:33] - Airone Zone Damper Demo & How It Works

[10:32] - Compatibility with 200+ VRF Brands

[13:09] - System Setup: Sensors, Dampers & Wiring

[17:49] - Building Automation, App Control & Integration

This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:

Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/

Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/

Factory Direct Filters: https://www.factorydirectfilters.com/

SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm
Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse!

Follow the Guest Christopher Rystedt:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-rystedt-62258597/

Airzone Control - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airzonecontrol/

Airzone Control - Website: https://www.airzonecontrol.com/as/en/

Follow the Host:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/

Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/ 

Follow the Podcast:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HVACKnowItAll

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LCBJGw0EHG03rdWHxUMce

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hvac-know-it-all-podcast/id1359253455